Enhancement for Active Seniors

EASE, or Enhancement for Active SEniors, aims to improve the safety and comfort of senior citizens living in HDB flats.

With EASE, there is flexibility to customise the combination of improvements and pay only for what you choose. The following in-flat improvements will be provided under EASE:

• Slip-resistant treatment to bathroom/toilet floor tiles
• Grab bars within the flat
• Ramp(s) to negotiate level differences in the flat*
• Ramp at main entrance*

*Where technically feasible

About $260 million has been set aside to subsidise this EASE programme. With Government subsidies of up to 95 percent, Singapore Citizens (SC) households need only to pay a small portion of the cost.

For rental units, the EASE improvement items will be fully funded by the Government.

For more information on EASE, click here.

1. Under HDB’s Home Improvement Programme

   • EASE will be rolled out as optional improvements under HDB’s enhanced Home Improvement Programme (HIP) from July 2012. This will apply to all future HIP projects polled from 1 July 2012.
   • EASE will also be extended to ongoing HIP projects with uncompleted works as of 1 July 2012.
   • The budget for EASE is $2,000 per flat and the Government will provide a subsidy of up to 95 percent of the cost. Residents who opt for all the EASE improvements will pay between $100- $250 for these improvements, depending on their flat type (see table below).
     
     

     Flat type	1/2/3 Room	4 Room	5 Room	Executive
     Cost of EASE per flat	$2,000
     Government Pays	$1,900 (95%)	$1,850 (92.5%)	$1,800 (90%)	$1,750 (87.5%)
     Resident Pays	$100 (5%)	$150 (7.5%)	$200 (10%)	$250 (12.5%)

2. Direct Application

   • From 1 July 2012 onwards, HDB will also accept direct applications for EASE in two mature towns – Bukit Merah and Kallang/Whampoa towns. For more information, please visit our webpage on Direct Application for EASE.
   • HDB will study the response and feedback from these two towns, before offering direct applications for EASE to more estates.
   • To qualify, Singaporean Citizen households must have an elderly member who is 70 years old or older; or a family member aged between 65 and 69 years who require assistance for one or more of the Activities of Daily Living (ADL).

(Activities of Daily Living (ADL) is a healthcare term used to refer to daily self-care activities within an individual's place of residence. These activities include washing, dressing, feeding, toileting, mobility and transferring.)

1. How do I apply for this scheme?

   HDB will start accepting the direct applications from 1 July 2012 in the following two mature towns:

   • Bukit Merah and
   • Kallang/Whampoa¹

   ¹Kallang-Whampoa comprises estates in Whampoa, Kampong Java, Bendemeer, Geylang Bahru, Upper Boon Keng and North Bridge Rd; Bukit Merah comprises estates in Alexandra/ Redhill/ Henderson, Bukit Ho Swee, Tiong Bahru, Telok Blangah/ Depot Road, Telok Blangah/ Bukit Purmei and Spottiswooode Park/ Everton Park.

   Interested applicants can find out more via the following channels:

   • Call the HDB Branch Office Customer Service Line: 1800 2255 432;
   • Send your queries to qsm@hdb.gov.sg; or
   • Contact your respective HDB Branch Office

2. Is there a limit to the number of items that can be installed/treated for each of the improvements?

   Yes. The slip-resistant treatment for floor tiles is limited to one bathroom/toilet per flat. Grab bars will be provided to one bathroom/toilet and at thresholds with kerbs or changes in level. The total number of grab bars may range from eight to 10, depending on the flat type. Where technically feasible, ramps will be provided at the main entrance and/or at the threshold between the kitchen and the living room. We will continue to monitor the outcome of the Marine Parade pilot project to fine tune the programme.

3. Why is there an age criterion for ad hoc requests for EASE? Would families that do not have any elderly member but have a disabled younger member be eligible for EASE?

   The age criterion is necessary to ensure that elderly households that will benefit the most from the improvements will be given priority. Families without elderly member but other younger member who require EASE improvement items may apply for EASE at the HDB Branches. Their applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

4. Can the residents have other/more elderly-friendly items done in their flats?

   Residents may wish to make a private arrangement with the HIP/EASE contractor to carry out additional works. However, items beyond EASE are not subsidised.

5. How long will the EASE works take?

   Normally, it will take about a day to complete the installation of full set of EASE improvement works.

6. I have done some of those items myself during my recent renovation works. Can I claim back from the government the amount that I have spent since the government will be subsidizing about 95% of costs for EASE?

   The improvements in EASE were conceptualised based on the learning points from the Marine Parade Pilot and in consultation with healthcare professionals such as occupational therapists. Each improvement is offered on a ‘supply-and-install’ basis. Furthermore, all appointed EASE contractors will be briefed thoroughly to ensure that the items are installed properly to meet the needs of the elderly. As such, HDB is unable to reimburse residents for the improvements which they have carried out by themselves during their recent renovation.

7. How about the seniors in other towns? Will they have to wait in the interim period?

   Yes, EASE direct applications will be piloted in Bukit Merah and Kallang/Whampoa Towns. Before extending it to other towns, HDB needs to ensure smooth implementation and look into the feedback gathered from residents first. Nonetheless, if their blocks are announced for HIP, EASE will be offered to them.