Discussion Forum

More than 750 Bedok North Street 2 residents can look forward to getting ramps and grab bars for greater mobility and accessibility, as part of the Housing Development Board (HDB)’s plan to make life easier for elderly residents.

The Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme was announced in March and will see a large portion of costs, up to 95 per cent, borne by the Government, while the remaining will be paid by the household. For between $100 and $250, residents can get up to 10 grab bars, have slip-resistant treatment done to bathroom tiles, and ramps installed both at the entrance and within the flat where feasible.

Minister of State for National Development and Trade and Industry Lee Yi Shyan launched the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) with EASE on Saturday. HIP is aimed at fixing problems associated with older flats such as spalling concrete or structural cracks.

For residents whose estates are not eligible for HIP, HDB will be making allowances for them to apply for EASE. Elderly staying in two mature estates, Bukit Merah and Kallang/Whampoa, can send their applications directly to HDB from today.

Read the Press Release from HDB and the Straits Times article, “Bedok residents 1st to get ramps, grab bars from HDB”.

Share with us your views on what other improvements can HDB explore to further help elderly residents.