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LCQ8: Alteration of in-flat facilities for elderly in PHE
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    Following is a question by Dr the Hon Joseph Lee and a written reply by the Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands, Mr Michael Suen, in the Legislative Council today (25 April):

Question

     At present, the Housing Department may alter the facilities in the flats of elderly tenants living in public housing estates ("PHEs") according to the individual needs of such tenants to facilitate their daily living.  In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a)  of the current number of elderly tenants awaiting the Housing Department to alter the facilities in their flats (with a breakdown by housing estates) and the estimated time, manpower and resources required to complete the works concerned;

(b)  of the average time taken by the Housing Department from the receipt of recommendations by social welfare agencies or occupational therapists to the completion of the works concerned, and the procedures involved;

(c)  whether the Housing Department will take the initiative to visit and inspect the flats of the elderly tenants so that works can be carried out to alter the facilities therein according to their needs; if it will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(d)  whether the Government will consider expanding the scope of this measure so that alterations at a low charge or free of charge can be made to the facilities in the flats of the non-PHE singleton elderly people who have such needs; if it will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?


Reply

Madam President,

     The Housing Department (HD) has always been concerned about the needs of disabled and elderly tenants.  Upon receipt of recommendations from service agencies funded by the Social Welfare Department (SWD) and the healthcare professionals and occupational therapists from the Hospital Authority, the HD would carry out as soon as possible in-flat alteration or addition works for the tenants concerned to satisfy their needs in everyday life.  

     My reply to the four-part question is as follows:

(a)  According to the HD's records, as at 13 April 2007, 73 elderly tenants (from 40 estates) are awaiting works to be conducted to alter or install special facilities in their flats.  The details are set out at Annex.

     Normally, these works will take three or four weeks to complete.  They are part of the normal duties of the HD and are handled through deployment of existing manpower and resources.
 
(b)  Upon receipt of recommendations from the agencies concerned, the HD will conduct site inspections and feasibility assessments so as to confirm the details of the works and to procure the required materials.  Such preliminary work generally takes three to four weeks.  If the works are technically feasible, they will commence as soon as possible.  Works not involving structural alterations, such as providing additional handrails, lowering door thresholds and installing plastic folding doors, will normally be completed within three to four weeks.  Works involving structural alterations, such as altering the partitions, widening the doors and re-positioning the toilets, will take about four to six weeks to complete.

     For works with technical difficulties, the works team will explore with the recommending agencies ways to revise the works design so as to overcome the implementation difficulties while meeting the needs of the tenants.  In case of insurmountable technical problems (e.g. where the structural safety of the buildings would be affected), the HD will arrange the tenants to be transferred to other suitable flats.

(c)  The Housing Authority (HA) is implementing a "Total Maintenance Scheme" (TMS) to proactively conduct in-flat inspection for all public rental housing (PRH) tenants in Hong Kong by phases.  If there is a need to make alterations to in-flat facilities to suit the needs of elderly tenants in their daily living, these tenants may approach the TMS staff who will refer the cases to healthcare professionals or occupational therapists for assessment and design of suitable facilities.  The HA will provide the necessary facilities as soon as possible on the recommendation of the professionals.

     Under the TMS, a comprehensive review will be conducted to ascertain whether the existing common facilities in the housing estates are adequate and can meet the needs of the disabled and the elderly.  Where necessary, the HA will carry out improvement works such as provision of additional access and improvement to recreational and sports facilities for the use of the elderly.

(d)  As mentioned in my opening remarks, community care and support service agencies funded by the SWD, in particular the "Integrated Home Care Services Teams" and the "Enhanced Home and Community Care Service Teams", will conduct home environment safety assessments for clients in need, including the physically handicapped and the frail elders living in various types of housing, and will follow up the improvement proposals, such as installation of handrails and repairing of worn-out floors.  They also provide household safety education and training to their clients with a view to minimising accidents at home.  If clients are in financial difficulties, the service agencies will help them apply for charitable funds to meet the expenses for the improvement works.

     In addition, the Hong Kong Housing Society (HS) launched the "Home Renovation Loan Scheme" in February 2005 to provide an interest-free loan of up to $50,000 for eligible private flat owners to carry out flat renovation works relating to safety and hygiene, including installation of additional facilities that cater to the needs of the elderly.  Applicants aged 60 or above who are recipients of the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance or medical fee waiver are entitled to a subsidy of half the amount of the loan or $10,000 (whichever is the lower).  The HS will install two handrails free of charge inside the flats of successful elderly applicants.  The HS will also inspect the flats of the applicants to provide suggestions on facility improvements and consult occupational therapists as and when necessary.

Ends/Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Issued at HKT 12:21

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