HDB flats can get ramps, grab bars and non-slip tiles under new scheme
By Daryl Chin, The Straits Times, 1 Jul 2012
More than 750 homes will be offered items such as ramps and grab bars as part of the Housing Board's latest bid to make life easier for elderly residents.
These residents in Blocks 134 to 139 in Bedok North Street 2 will be the first in Singapore to get the chance to benefit from the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) plan, which was first announced in March.
The plan will then be rolled out nationwide.
Bedok is the first precinct to be offered EASE as it is one of the oldest towns in Singapore with many senior residents in the estate, said Mr Lee Yi Shyan, Minister of State for Trade and Industry and for National Development, at the launch of the plan yesterday in Bedok.
Bedok is the first precinct to be offered EASE as it is one of the oldest towns in Singapore with many senior residents in the estate, said Mr Lee Yi Shyan, Minister of State for Trade and Industry and for National Development, at the launch of the plan yesterday in Bedok.
A large portion - up to 95 per cent - of the cost of such works will be borne by the Government, with the homes paying the remainder.
This means residents need to pay only between $100 and $250, depending on the size of the flat.
The improvements will see them get up to 10 grab bars, bathroom tiles made slip-resistant, and ramps installed both at the entrance and within the flat where feasible.
EASE is expected to cost about $260 million, and benefit 130,000 HDB dwellers.
The improvements will see them get up to 10 grab bars, bathroom tiles made slip-resistant, and ramps installed both at the entrance and within the flat where feasible.
EASE is expected to cost about $260 million, and benefit 130,000 HDB dwellers.
Yesterday, Mr Lee detailed how the programme will work.
Starting from today, the scheme will be packaged under the Home Improvement Programme (HIP), which is aimed at fixing problems associated with older flats such as spalling concrete or structural cracks.
This means 75 per cent of eligible residents must first vote in favour of the programme.
Under this programme, essential improvements such as changing waste pipes and repairing spalling concrete and structural cracks are done for free.
However, optional upgrades such as replacing the main door and grille or swopping the refuse chute hopper come at a subsidised price.
Residents need to pay between 5 per cent and 12.5 per cent, depending on the size of the flat.
EASE, which is considered an optional upgrade, is also available to estates which are currently undergoing the Home Improvement Programme.
In a statement released to the media, the Housing Board said it was also making allowances for some residents, who do not qualify for HIP, to be able to apply for EASE.
The elderly living in two mature estates, Bukit Merah and Kallang/Whampoa, can send their applications directly to HDB from today.
About 16,000 homes are eligible in these towns, which have the highest number of homes nationwide with elderly residents aged 65 and above.
'One way to support our seniors is to make the HDB common areas and home environment safer, so that they feel confident to move around on their own,' said Mr Lee, noting that pairing the Home Improvement Programme and EASE will minimise the inconvenience of installation works for the residents.
Opting for all the bells and whistles are Mr Steven Chua and his wife Rita, both 72.The retired and sprightly Mr Chua said he and his wife have fallen due to slippery or elevated surfaces.
Opting for all the bells and whistles are Mr Steven Chua and his wife Rita, both 72.The retired and sprightly Mr Chua said he and his wife have fallen due to slippery or elevated surfaces.
They have not done any alterations to their home for the past 16 years due to costs.
'Having HDB come in to improve the situation at such a reasonable price is very much appreciated. And although I don't need the grab bars now, I believe I will need them one day,' he said with a laugh.
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