Elderly Challenge - Observation 4

The level of this sofa is quite low and an elderly trying to get up from this sofa has to struggle. They have to use the side of the sofa as a support to get up. Sometimes, even using the sides does not help. If there is another person in the house besides the elderly, he/she can help the elderly. However, what if the elderly happens to be alone at home? Would the elderly have to be stuck at the sofa until someone comes into the house?

Elderly Challenge - Observation 3

Here are some safety features inside a bathroom.


This is a non-slip mat inside the bathroom. This prevents anyone using the bathroom to slip and fall. The non-slip mat should not only be placed in a bathroom used by an elderly but in ever bathroom. After bathing, the floor would be wet and soap may be on the floor. This will cause you to slip and fall.


In addition, you should put grab bars too. If the elderly feels like they are going to fall, they can quickly grab the bar and keep their balance. However some elderly might mistaken this as a towel holder. Therefore you tell the elderly what is this bar for after installing them so that it is used in the correct way.

Elderly Challenge - Observation 2

Here are more observations that I have made.


This elderly is bending down to pick up something. This is quite dangerous as she may fall. My grandma is not strong anymore as she fell before and had to go for an operation. Therefore her legs can give in at any point of time and cause her to fall down again.

Elderly Challenge - Observation 1

I have observed some difficulties an elderly would face in their own home.


As you can see there is a cabinet above this elderly. Some of the items she needs could be inside the cabinet.


You might not be able to see but the cabinet is quite deep. I myself who is taller than my grandmother cannot even reach some of the items up there. She may need to use a stool to get all of the items. This is not very advisable as using a stool may have a high risk of falling.

Holiday work - Part 1: Understanding the 'The Elderly Challenge'

Four key recommendations of the report:

1) Housing for seniors
Singapore will slowly develop into an elder-friendly country. This would allow and encourage the elderly to live as a part of the community and family. In order to achieve this, there will be a range of housing options to meet their needs.

2) Accessibility for seniors
The environment as well as the transport system must be elder-friendly so that they can have an active lifestyle.

3)Caring for seniors
Eldercare and healthcare services ensures the dignity and the standard of their life to be maintained.

4) Opportunities for seniors
The elderly will lead an active and healthy lifestyle as well as fulfill relationship with their family and friends.

One way that the CAI report is recommending to make our public housing more elder-friendly:
The authorities should think of specific ways to control the development of houses for the people retiring.

Two ways to ensure the quality of elderly care in Singapore is affordable:
1) The elderly that are financially not stable, the government can subsidies for them.
2) We can find volunteers who are willing to take care of the elderly so that cost is cut down.

As an SST student, I can ...
1) Observe the difficulties my grandmother face at home.
2)Ask her how her life can be improved.
3)Try to make a solution.