Policy Address

Providing a Safe and Comfortable Home Environment for the Elderly

173.         Currently, around 40% of the elderly live in PRH estates.  Over the years, a universal design has been adopted for newly-built PRH units, which includes widening the flat entrance, kitchen and bathroom doors, as well as using safer materials such as non-slip floor tiles.  Hence, residents can safely live in the same flat even in their old age.  For eligible elderly tenants living in old PRH blocks, the Housing Authority will modify the facilities of their flats to cater for their needs. 

174.         The HKHS is implementing the Elderly Safe Living Scheme in five districts, including Wan Chai, Yau Tsim Mong and Sham Shui Po, to give advice to elderly people living in private buildings on ways to enhance home safety.  HKHS occupational therapists will pay home visits to assess and advise on the home environment and health conditions of the elderly.  The services offered under the scheme are free of charge, and elderly owners can decide whether or not to engage a contractor to carry out the proposed works.  Eligible elderly owners who cannot afford the maintenance costs may apply for a maximum grant of $40,000 under the Building Maintenance Grant Scheme for Elderly Owners. 

175.         The Housing Authority also plans to increase the provision of recreational facilities for the elderly in PRH estates with more elderly residents, or change the use or design of public space in those estates to meet tenants’ needs.  After reviewing their effectiveness, the Housing Authority will extend the arrangements to other estates.

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