You Can Soon Buy a “Fall Detection Package” for Seniors Living in HDB Flats

By
Shernice Sim
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Due to the steadily increasing population of our island home, Singapore is gearing up to enhance the living conditions for its senior population by introducing a fall detection package starting 1 April 2024

 This initiative, spearheaded by the Housing Development Board (HDB), aims to support our older population ageing in place by providing assistive technology to HDB flats.

For those unfamiliar, the term “ageing in place” refers to the preference to remain in one’s home or community for as long as they can as they get older.

Minister for National Development and Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration Desmond Lee emphasised the importance of preparing for Singapore’s ageing population and helping seniors live independently.

With one in four individuals expected to be 65 and older by 2030, there is a pressing need to equip homes with technology that meets the needs of seniors.

The HDB plans to collaborate with commercial vendors to offer these fall detection packages. More details about the packages will be released at a later date.

Minister Lee announced these plans during the launch of the Age+ Living Lab at Block 839 Yishun Street 81.

What is the Age+ Living Lab?

A collaborative effort between social enterprise SG Assist and the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), the Age+ Living Lab is a simulated home environment that is equipped with assistive products for seniors.

The home’s primary goal is to be a resource centre where both caregivers and seniors can learn about and even try out assistive tools and gerontechnology (shortened to GeronTech) – technology designed to support the ageing population.

“So, it is really about both the seniors who need a bit more help living in his or her own neighbourhood, and the caregivers who toil tirelessly to look after their loved ones,” said Minister Lee.

What is the “Fall Detection Package”, and How Does it Help?

According to data from the National University Health System, about one-third of people aged 65 and above in Singapore have suffered a fall at least once, with 40% of these falls accounting for injury-related deaths.

The older population are more prone to more severe injuries during a fall as their bones are comparatively more fragile due to conditions like osteoporosis.

Factors that contribute to the higher instances of falls amongst the elderly population  include joint pain, lower limb pain or numbness, locking of knees, difficulty in rising from a chair, unsteady gait, deteriorating eyesight, difficulty in walking, poor balance, deformities in the feet, and frailty.

SG Assist’s co-founder Mr Adrian Tan told the press that seniors often resort to staying at home due to a fear of falling. They are also unaware of the technology that is available to help them. 

In order to combat this issue, one of the products showcased at the Age+ Living Lab is a fall monitor developed by local technology provider iWow.

This device can be mounted on a wall and alerts a 24/7 response centre manned by social enterprise SG Assist when it detects a fall.

Serving a similar function, another innovative floor mat is equipped with motion sensors that detect when someone has fallen. After which, it would trigger an alarm to alert caregivers.

With the implementation of the Fall Detection Package, fallen elderly can receive assistance and treatment much more swiftly.

Though more specific details have yet to be announced, interested households can opt for a fall detection package for their older members living in HDB flats starting from 1 April.

What Other Tools are There?

The Age+ Living Lab showcases an array of products for various aspects of daily life, including medical, dining, living, and mobility. These products aim to maintain and improve seniors’ quality of life while easing the burden on caregivers.

Other products showcased at the Age+ Living Lab include: culinary utensils that can offset hand tremors, rubber grips for doorknobs and even sound amplifiers for seniors who are hard of hearing.

Said SUSS Provost Professor Robbie Goh, “These displays are carefully selected to inspire ideas on how living spaces can be equipped to maintain and improve seniors’ quality of life while easing the burden on caregivers by promoting independence.”

(Oh hey, kinda like IKEA!)

There will be volunteers and GeronTech senior ambassadors (GTA) in charge of demonstrating the use of these tools and conducting informative guided tours.

The inaugural batch of 24 GTAs had undergone SUSS’ GeronTech Ambassador course, which was developed in partnership with SG Assist.

Parties interested in a tour of the lab can register at the SUSS website, and those who wish to purchase any products showcased can approach SG Assist and implement assistive technology in their homes.

Plans for the Future

SUSS has set a goal to reach out to 800 to 1,000 seniors in this pilot program by 2026. 

They plan to achieve this through hour-long experiential tours led by trained GTAs, as well as workshops and roadshows.

The Age+ Lab comes at a crucial time as Singapore prepares for an ageing population. 

At the launch, “The launch of the Age+ Living Lab is timely as our society approaches ‘super-aged’ status. Our partnership with SG Assist showcases our commitment to empowering seniors and caregivers.”

Mr Tan also added, “As we age, our health needs may shift. The Age+ Living Lab offers a vital space for caregivers and seniors to openly discuss their concerns and needs, providing education and practical solutions.”

As Singapore’s population continues to age, initiatives like the Age+ Living Lab are essential for supporting the needs of seniors and ensuring their well-being in the community.

By providing access to assistive technology and promoting awareness, Singapore aims to create an inclusive environment where seniors can age actively and independently.

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Shernice Sim