Prevalence of Seniors Living Alone with Severe Lower Limb Mobility Loss or Bilateral Amputation

Mr Cai Yinzhou asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) how many seniors living alone have been assessed with severe lower limb mobility loss or bilateral amputation; (b) whether existing home modification subsidies and options are found to adequately address the more extensive adaptation needs; and (c) whether a dedicated home modification pathway or enhanced subsidy tier will be recommended for seniors with lower limb loss to age in place.

There are several schemes to help seniors age in place. This includes the enhanced Home Personal Care scheme, which provides subsidised personal care at home. The Enhancement for Active Seniors programme (EASE) provides up to 95% subsidies on home modifications, such as grab bars and ramps. The Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF) provides up to 90% subsidies for assistive devices like wheelchairs. The Home Caregiving Grant provides up to $600 per month to defray costs of care for seniors with moderate disability living in the community. These schemes were recently enhanced to ensure they continue to meet our seniors' needs.

Eligibility for such support is based on the applicants' needs. A key consideration is their ability to perform Activities of Daily Living and not types of disability, so that we have an objective assessment across conditions. The Ministry of Health does not track the number of seniors living alone with severe lower limb mobility loss or bilateral amputation.

As part of existing clinical and care pathways, therapists at public healthcare institutions or community service providers assess seniors' functional needs and recommend appropriate assistive devices, home modifications or both. Seniors may apply for EASE and SMF through their public healthcare institutions, community service providers or directly through the Housing and Development Board and the Agency for Integrated Care.