HDB households can opt for fall detection package from April

It is part of efforts to help seniors age in place, improve their living environment

- Gabrielle Chan

Interested households can opt for a fall detection package from April 1, arranged by the Housing Board as part of efforts to improve the living environment of seniors and support their ageing in place.

Outlining plans to introduce assistive technology and products to HDB flats, Minister for National Development Desmond Lee said there is a pressing need to prepare for a society in which Singapore has more seniors, and to help them live independently.

HDB will arrange for commercial vendors to offer these packages, he said, adding that more details will be released at a later date.

Mr Lee, who is also Minister-incharge of Social Services Integration, was speaking on March 15 at the launch of a new space for seniors and their caregivers at Block 839 Yishun Street 81.

Called the Age+ Living Lab, this simulated home environment is equipped with assistive products for seniors and aims to educate caregivers and seniors about assistive tools and gerontechnology, or getechnology that helps to rontech meet the needs of seniors.

One example of a fall detection solution already available is a fall monitor designed by local technology provider iWow. It can be mounted on a wall, and alerts a 24/7 response centre manned by social enterprise SG Assist when it detects that someone has fallen.

Another example is a floor mat that uses motion sensors to detect when someone has fallen. It then triggers an alarm to alert caregivers that the individual needs help.