Considerations for Installation of Alert Buttons for Vulnerable Seniors and Estimated Out-of-pocket Costs

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for National Development (a) how many elderly residents aged 65 and above who currently live alone reside in homes that are installed with wireless alert systems; (b) what is the projected number of such residents in 2030; (c) whether there are plans to include the installation of wireless alert systems under the HDB EASE programme, and (d) if so, what are the estimated out-of-pocket costs for such installation.

There are currently about 10,000 seniors staying in public rental housing that have the wireless Alert Alarm System (AAS) installed. These seniors can call for help during emergencies by pressing the alert buttons placed within their homes, which are linked to a 24/7 hotline that responds to callers in distress.

As part of the Age Well SG programme, we will progressively expand the provision of this system to all seniors aged 60 and above staying in public rental housing. This will allow us to better care for these lower-income and vulnerable seniors who often lack family support. The expansion is expected to benefit around 26,800 more seniors staying in public rental housing.

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) currently does not provide the wireless AAS to seniors staying in sold flats. The set up of an AAS involves not only the installation of the physical hardware like the alert buttons, but also ensuring that operators who are providing the round-the-clock response service have adequate resources to do so. The Ministry of National Development and HDB will continue to review the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme, including taking in feedback from seniors as well as healthcare sector stakeholders and professionals, to ensure that there is a suitable range of items offered under EASE to meet the needs of seniors.