Vers: Consider the vulnerable elderly
How do we expect the frail, immobile and disabled seniors to move homes?
I REFER to the article, “Keep Vers for HDB flats simple and fair” (Aug 26).
We need to think of the elderly, such as those who are now age 70 will reach 75 in 2030 when the Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (Vers) kicks off.
If Vers is implemented from mid-2030, and the process ends in, say, 2040, they would be 85 when their replacement flats are ready.
The average life expectancy of Singapore residents is 83.5 years. At an advanced age, the elderly may have limited mobility.
How do we expect frail, immobile and disabled seniors to move homes?
It is the same with the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) 2. It is easy to say the contractors will minimise inconvenience for the elderly in terms of dust, noise, mess and debris, but this is just cold comfort. HIP is notoriously messy. We need to spare a thought for the seniors.
Also, what about those already on HDB’s lease buyback scheme (LBS)? How will HDB factor in the LBS when homeowners purchase their replacement flat?
Most older flats are occupied by seniors whose children have moved out after marriage. It is indeed a challenging and daunting task for them to relocate, not least stressful. Seniors should not move house. Some with poor memory would not know how to go home.
Francis Cheng
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