Oral Answer by Ministry of National Development on alert systems in HDB flats for elderly

Oct 3, 2017

Ms Sun Xueling: To ask the Minister for National Development 

a) whether the Ministry will consider piloting the installation of sensor-activated alarm systems in HDB studio apartments for the elderly or in new HDB flats catered for the elderly; and

b) what will be the estimated cost increase for such installations?

Answer:

HDB has been working with partner agencies and solution providers to explore the use of suitable elderly monitoring and alert systems to monitor the safety and well-being of elderly HDB residents.  For instance, a trial is ongoing at Yuhua involving residents who have purchased the Elderly Monitoring System, which is a smart system that automatically sends notifications and alerts to the next-of-kin of the elderly, when irregular behavioural patterns are detected at home. Other options include wearable devices with panic buttons.

HDB will study the outcome of this trial as well as the cost and business models for the installation of such systems before deciding on the next steps.