To further enhance the comfort and safety of the elderly, the Ministry of National Development has introduced another two new initiatives — Enhancement For Active Seniors (EASE) and the Car Park Lift Installation Programme.
The EASE scheme, which is expected to cost around S$260 million, will see new home improvements to make HDB flats more elderly-friendly. These include installing a ramp at the main entrance and grab bars within the flat, as well as slip-resistant treatment for bathroom floor tiles.
“In the next 10 years, the number of seniors in Singapore aged 65 and above will increase by more than 60 percent from today. There is a need to make the living environment more conducive for residents as they age,” said the HDB.
“EASE will be rolled out as an optional improvement under HDB’s enhanced Home Improvement Programme (HIP) from July 2012. This will apply to all future HIP projects polled from 1 July 2012 onwards. In addition, EASE will also be extended to on-going HIP projects that have not completed works by 1 July 2012. There will be no age criterion for residents,” it added.
Meanwhile, as part of an overall plan to provide convenience to residents and visitors, the HDB will launch the five-year Car Park Lift Installation Programme to install lifts at all Multi-Storey Car Parks (MSCPs), starting from this year up to 2016.
“Families with young children and the elderly will benefit most from the programme,” the housing board said, adding that the programme will cost around S$120 million.
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