Inclusion of Toilet Upgrading as Part of Enhancement for Active Seniors Scheme

Ms Foo Mee Har asked the Minister for National Development whether HDB will consider the upgrading of toilets in HDB flats to the sitting-type as part of the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) scheme to facilitate seniors to age in place and reduce their risk of falls at home.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: The Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) scheme does not include the upgrading of toilets as this is already covered under the Home Improvement Programme (HIP). Toilet upgrading involves fairly extensive works and is less costly if carried out under the larger-scale HIP, as compared to doing it on an ad-hoc basis under EASE. Meanwhile, we are accelerating the pace of HIP so that residents can enjoy the benefits of HIP earlier.