good progress made in preparing for an ageing population, press release, 15 jan 2008

8/14/2019 Good progress made in preparing for an ageing population, Press Release, 15 Jan 2008

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MCYS MEDIA RELEASE NO: 03/2008DATE OF ISSUE: 15/01/2008

GOOD PROGRESS MADE IN PREPARING FOR AN AGEING POPULATION

The Ministerial Committee on Ageing (MCA) released its report card onthe work accomplished by the Singapore Government on ageing issues for 2007.The MCA, whose vision is of Successful Ageing For Singapore, released thestatus report based on four strategic thrusts:

Enhance employability and financial security;

Provide holistic and affordable healthcare and eldercare;

Enable ageing-in-place; and

Promote active ageing.

2. Good progress has been made in the four identified strategic thrusts, andfurther initiatives will be pursued in 2008. Recommendations of the earlierCommittee on Ageing Issues are also being implemented and will be included in

the agenda of the MCA. The major achievements in 2007 include measures toenhance the employability and financial security of seniors, improving theaffordability of healthcare, enhancing a barrier-free and accessible environmentfor our seniors, and facilitating seniors to be well-connected and active in society.The full report is at Attachment A.

3. Health is key to well-being at old age. Thus, it is vital that services forseniors to help them remain healthy and prevent illness are established for theiruse. A pilot Wellness Programme, announced in September 2007, aims to offer

older Singaporeans with information and opportunities to lead healthy lifestylesand remain socially engaged within the community. The Council for Third Agewas also established in May 2007 to promote active ageing in Singapore.

4. Taking the perspective of ageing as both a challenge and opportunity, theMCA has also encouraged the development of commercially viable products and


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services for seniors in Singapore. Promoting a Silver Industry as a businessopportunity and to enhance quality living for our seniors has been made throughthe Silver Industry Conference and Exhibition on 10-13 January 2008.

5. The MCA, formed in March 2007, coordinates the efforts by the variousministries to provide a holistic approach towards addressing the challenges andopportunities of Singapores ageing population. It consists of several high-levelministers and is led by Minister (Prime Ministers Office) Lim Boon Heng.

. . . . . . . . . . .

Issued by:

Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports

MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE ON AGEING:

REPORT FOR 2007

Background

Singapore has one of the worlds fastest ageing populations.By 2030, one in five residents will be 65 and above, from one in 12 today.By 2050, Singapore is projected to be the fourth oldest country in theworld1[1]. Population ageing undeniably brings challenges. But it also


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provides us opportunities to transform our socio-economic infrastructure tohelp Singaporeans enjoy healthy and happy lives in their golden years.

2. As a country, Singapore is well-positioned to take a coordinatedand proactive approach to deal with this demographic shift. In Mar 07, theGovernment established a Ministerial Committee on Ageing chaired byMinister in the Prime Ministers Office, Mr Lim Boon Heng. Thecomposition of the Committee can be found at Annex A. With the vision ofachieving Successful Ageing for Singapore, the MCA is committed to

pursuing a whole-of-government response to ageing along the followingstrategic thrusts:

Enhance Employability and Financial Security;

Provide Holistic and Affordable Healthcare and Eldercare;

Enable Ageing-in-Place; and

Promote Active Ageing.

Overview of the Years Policies and Initiatives

3. Good progress has been made in the four identified strategicthrusts and will be pursued in 2008. Recommendations of the earlierCommittee on Ageing Issues are being implemented and will be subsumedunder the agenda of the Ministerial Committee on Ageing. The summary of

these recommendations and their implementation can be found at AnnexB2[2]. The high priority given to population ageing in the governments

1[1] UN Population Divisions World Population Prospects: The 2006 Revision. The median age ofSingapore's population is projected to be 54 years by 2050, behind Macau (56), Japan (55) and Korea (55).


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agenda was also reflected in speeches and measures announced throughoutthe year, including PM Lee Hsien Loongs National Day Rally speech on 20Aug 07.

4. The Governments efforts to prepare Singapore for an ageingpopulation must involve the community. Individual Singaporeans and theirfamilies should be empowered to take responsibility for their social, healthand financial needs. A pilot Wellness Programme, announced in Sep 07,seeks to provide older Singaporeans with information and opportunities tolead healthy lifestyles and remain socially engaged within the community.The pilot programme will be implemented progressively at six sites inSingapore over 2008.

5. There is potential for the private sector to expand its role in anageing population to meet different needs of different population segments.In the nursing home market, MOH will look to facilitate the entry ofproviders which can add value to this sector and introduce measures to

encourage market competition. In a rapidly ageing Asia, a silverindustry in Singapore can also contribute to our economy. The SilverIndustry Conference and Exhibition (SICEX) on 10-13 Jan 08 profiles

the new lifestyle and business opportunities in providing products andservices for baby boomers3[3].

2[2] The Committee of Ageing Issues issued its report and recommendations in February 2006. Co-chairing the committee were Senior Minister of State for Information, Communications and the Arts, DrBalaji Sadasivan, and Parliamentary Secretary for Community Development, Youth and Sports, DrMohamad Maliki Osman.

3[3] The Silver Industry Conference and Exhibition is organized by the Silver Industry Committee, whichwas established in November 2006 to explore and develop the silver industry in Singapore. Reporting tothe Ministerial Committee on Ageing, the committee is chaired by Mr Philip Yeo, Chairman of SPRINGSingapore, and has members from the private and public sector.


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Progress under the Strategic Thrusts

Enhance Employability and Financial Security

6. Having sufficient retirement savings at old age is fundamentalto successful ageing in Singapore. Measures were announced along thefollowing thrusts helping Singaporeans work longer; improving returns onCPF savings; and making savings last for the lifetime of CPF members.

Helping Singaporeans Work Longer

7. The employment rate of older residents aged 55 to 64 rose by2.5% points over the year to 56.2% in Jun 074[4], as a result of a buoyanteconomy and initiatives implemented. In May 07, the Tripartite Committeeon Employability of Older Workers released its final report with anextensive package of recommendations, including the introduction oflegislative changes within five years to facilitate opportunities for older

workers to continue working beyond the age of 625[5]. More will bedone to positively shape the mindsets of employers and employees towardsemploying older workers and to facilitate the re-design of jobs to make themmore suited for older workers.

4[4] The Governments long-term target is an employment rate of 65% for this cohort of residents.

5 [5] Other recommendations include enhancing WDA's ADVANTAGE! Scheme; expanding theemployment opportunities of older women and enhancing their employability; a higher Workfare IncomeSupplement payout to low income workers above the age of 55; expanding the promotion of fairemployment practices through a Tripartite Centre for Fair Employment and instituting an award torecognise companies for implementing fair employment practices. See

http://www.mom.gov.sg/publish/momportal/en/communities/workplace_standards/good_employment_practices/publications/Final_Report_of_the_Tripartite_Committee_on_Employability_of_Older_Workers.htmlfor the report.


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8. One significant policy announced at Budget 2007 was theWorkfare Income Supplement (WIS) Scheme for older low-wage

workers. Although CPF contribution rates for older, low-wage workershave been reduced to enhance their employability and give them more take-home pay, the Government will give them WIS from 1 Jan 08, which willmore than make up for the reduction in their CPF and help build up theirretirement savings.

Improving Returns on CPF Savings

9. From 1 Jan 08, all CPF members will earn an extra 1%

interest on the first $60,000 in their CPF accounts including up to $20,000from the Ordinary Account (OA). The interest rate for the Special, Medisaveand Retirement Accounts (SMRA) will also be pegged to the yield of the 10-year Singapore Government Securities (SGS) plus 1% so as to better reflectthe long term nature of these funds.

Making Savings Last for CPF members Life Expectancy

10. Because Singaporeans are living longer, their retirementsavings also need to last longer. The Minimum Sum Draw-Down Age will

be progressively raised from the current 62 to 65 by 2018. A DefermentBonus (D Bonus) will be given to CPF members who are most immediatelyaffected by the changes in draw-down age. Older CPF members whovolunteer to defer the draw-down of their CPF savings to the age of 65 willalso receive a Voluntary Deferment Bonus (V Bonus).

11. The Government is considering a longevity insurance schemewhich will give CPF members a basic income for as long as they live. Acommittee chaired by Professor Lim Pin is studying the design of a schemethat will provide basic, affordable and flexible plans to ensure long-lifeincome for CPF members.


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12. PM Lee also announced HDBs Lease Buyback Schemeduring his National Day Rally speech on 20 Aug 07. This is a subsidisedscheme targeted at elderly households living in 2-room and 3-room HDB

flats and offers another option for the elderly to monetise their flats. Underthe scheme, HDB will buy back the tail end of the lease, leaving the flatowner with a flat that has a 30-year lease remaining. The cash that isreleased, including the subsidy provided by Government, will be given

progressively to the flat owner to supplement his retirement income.

Provide Holistic, Affordable Healthcare and Eldercare

13. An ageing population with higher life expectancy is associatedwith higher prevalence of chronic and other medical conditions6 [6]. Aholistic approach towards caring for the elderly must cover their

physical, emotional and mental needs. More focus should also be given toprevent and better manage diseases, before more expensive institution-basedtreatment becomes necessary. Older Singaporeans, supported by caregivers

and the community, should also be empowered to take care of their ownhealth and wellbeing7[7].

6[6] In 2004, prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 16.7% for those in the 50-59 age group, and 28.7% forthose in the 60-67 age group; for hypertension, the prevalence was 36.2% in the 50-59 age group, and56.1% in the 60-69 age group. Source: National Health Survey, 2004.

7[7] Examples include a Caregiver Training Grant in 2007 to subsidise the training for families to care fortheir seniors with disabilities, as well as development of an Elderly Health Promotion Blueprint by theHealth Promotion Board to provide evidence-based strategies for health promotion, disease and relatedrisks, and disability prevention for adults aged 65 and above. The Blueprint will be implemented inFY2008.


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14. Family physicians, with their close proximity to the community,can help ensure that patients receive the most appropriate level of healthcareservices within the community. MOHs Chronic Disease ManagementProgramme (CDMP) empowers family physicians to adopt a holisticapproach in managing the healthcare needs of their patients8[8]. Otherchronic diseases are being studied to see if they would fit into this

programme.

Affordability and Integration of Eldercare

15. The ElderShield Scheme was recently enhanced in Sep 2007to help raise the affordability of step-down care services. The new basicElderShield, which pays $400 per month in cash for up to 6 years, in theevent of severe disability, is a significant 60 per cent improvement from the

previous scheme, which pays out $300 per month for 5 years.

16. MCYS and MOH are also conducting a review of eldercareservices. This is aimed at integrating and enhancing the effectiveness of

existing services to better serve the needs of the elderly. Key services and programmes being reviewed include the possible streamlining of daycarecentres and day rehabilitation centres, befrienders and home help services to

better enable ageing-in-place. We would also examine the roles played bySeniors Activity Centres and Neighbourhood Links.

Support for End-of-life Care and Concerns

17. There is a need to improve end-of-life care, especially for

patients and their caregivers during the last phase of the patients lives.MOH is currently studying aspects of end-of-life care such as patient preferences on the place of death, as well as making it easier forSingaporeans to sign an Advanced Medical Directive (AMD). In addition,

8[8] As of November 2007, 85,000 patients have used their Medisave under the CDMP with a total draw-down on Medisave of about $15 million for 2007.


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MOH will increase its support for hospice and palliative care services forthose patients with terminal illnesses, by strengthening the healthcareworkforce, enhancing career prospects and planning for the long termmanpower needs of the sector.

18. MCYS has completed public consultation on the MentalCapacity Bill which would enable individuals to appoint proxy decisionmakers in advance should they lose their mental capacity due to illnessessuch as dementia. MCYS will introduce the Bill in Parliament in 2008.

Enable Ageing-in-Place

19. Ageing in ones home and within the community is beneficialto older peoples wellbeing. To enable ageing-in-place, it is vital that theliving environment and public transport system is accessible and barrier-freeto older people. To this end, the Government developed a Barrier-FreeAccessibility (BFA) Masterplan in 2006. Among the milestones achievedunder the Masterplan in 2007 is the revision and renaming of the BFA Codeto Code on Accessibility in the Built Environment9[9]. While the Codewill come into effect on 1 Apr 08, some of these new requirements have

already been imposed administratively.

20. Going beyond the requirements of the Code, BCA ispromoting Universal Design (UD) principles to the industry throughcourses, seminars and training. As part of this effort, BCA has launched acomprehensive UD guide to provide the industry with a set of recommendeddesign guidelines applicable to residential units and communal facilities like

parks, stadiums and cinemas.

9[9] The revised Code will cover beyond buildings to other facilities such as parks, open spaces, transportstations and bus shelters. Interconnectivity will be improved between buildings, and from buildings tonearby facilities such as transport nodes and parks. The revised Code also requires at least one bathroom ineach new residential unit to have enough space for retrofitting with elder-friendly features when the needarises.


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21. With regard to public housing, HDB is working closely with theTown Councils (TCs) to ensure that BFA in all HDB estates will beachieved by 201110[10]. HDBs ongoing Lift Upgrading Programme is

progressing well, and we are on target to have full lift access for all eligibleHDB blocks by 2014. HDB has also introduced UD features in all new

public housing projects tendered from July 2006. MCYS is also introducingways to support active ageing and ageing-in-place in the community,including the pilot Wellness Programme.

22. As for public transport, most MRT stations have beenretrofitted since 2006 and are barrier-free today. The first wheelchairaccessible buses were introduced in 2006. By 2010, 40 per cent of the

public bus fleet will be wheelchair-accessible.

Promote Active Ageing

23. The benefits of older Singaporeans leading healthy and happylives accrue at the level of the individual, community and nation. Research

has shown that leading active and purposeful lives, i.e. active ageing, canimprove an individuals wellbeing and even reduce the risk of the onset ofchronic diseases. In turn, it enables older Singaporeans to continue tocontribute to society.

24. In May 07, the Council for Third Age (C3A) was establishedto champion active ageing. The C3A will administer on behalf of MCYSthe $20 million Golden Opportunities (GO!) Fund to promote

community-based projects related to active ageing. To give sharper focus to

10[10] These features include minimising level differences within the flat (e.g. at entrance, bathroom andservice yard), ensuring doorways and internal corridors are wide enough for wheelchair access, andproviding at least one wheelchair accessible bathroom. There will also be provisions for residents to addon other elder-friendly features when the need arises, e.g. grab bars in the bathrooms.


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the message of active ageing, the Council re-branded the Senior CitizensWeek to Active Ageing Festival, which was held in Nov 07.

25. Dialogue sessions with the social service sector, communitygroups and individuals in Jul 0711[11] showed that apart from bread and

butter issues, participants also expressed the need to strengthenintergenerational bonds and promote lifelong learning. The Governmentwill explore ways to do this, in collaboration with the private and peoplesectors under the Many Helping Hands approach.

Date : 15 Jan 08

11[11] Co-organised by the Council for Third Age and REACH.


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ANNEX A

LIST OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Chairman

Mr Lim Boon Heng

Minister for Prime Ministers Office

Members

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan

Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports

Mr Khaw Boon Wan

Minister for Health

Mr Lim Swee Say

Secretary-General of NTUC and Minister for Prime Ministers Office

Mr Heng Chee How

Minister of State for Health and Deputy Secretary-General of NTUC


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Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon

Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports

Ms Grace Fu

Minister of State for National Development

Mr S Iswaran

Minister of State for Trade and Industry

Mr Gan Kim Yong

Minister of State for Education

Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman

Parliamentary Secretary for National Development

Secretary

Ms Charlotte Beck

Director, Elderly, Disability and Gambling Safeguards Division,

Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports


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Mr Yee Ping-Yi

Director, Healthcare Finance Division

Ministry of Health


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ANNEX B

Progress Update on Recommendations of the Committee on Ageing

Issues

The Committee on Ageing Issues made a total of 39 recommendations,pushing for greater efforts by the Government, the private and people sectorsto achieve four outcomes:

(i) provide a range of senior-friendly housing;

(ii) make Singapore a barrier-free society;

(iii) provide holistic and affordable eldercare and healthcareservices; and

(iv) encourage seniors to lead active lifestyles.

All the 39 recommendations have been or are being implemented. Theirrespective progress updates can be found as follows:

CAI Recommendation Progress Update

#1. The Government should

consider specific measures tofacilitate the development ofretirement housing by the

private sector, in particular,varying the length of landleases to lower land costs, tocater to seniors.

In Nov 06, URA released a residential site

at Jalan Jurong Kechil under theGovernment Land Sale (GLS) Reserve List.The site has been offered for sale on a 30-year lease and developers will have theoption to develop either retirement ornormal housing on the site.


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#2. HDB should work withmarket players to offer reversemortgage schemes for seniorHDB flat lessees atcommercial terms, to provideanother option for seniors toderive some income from theirhomes to meet expenditure inold age, without having tomove out of their homes.

Since Mar 06, NTUC Income has offered areverse mortgage scheme for elderly HDBflat owners aged 62 and above.HDB will also implement a new LeaseBuyback Scheme as another option for theelderly to monetise their flats. ThisScheme is subsidised and targeted at thelower-income elderly to help them meetretirement needs.

#3. HDB should provide formore rental housing options

for seniors, by exploring thelease of vacant flats tovoluntary welfareorganisations (VWOs), tocater to seniors who may

prefer to rent rather than buy,or who need to downgradefrom their existing flats.

HDB is building more studio apartmentsand smaller flats to cater to the housing

needs of the elderly. HDB and MCYS willcontinue to review how best to meet thesocial and emotional needs of the low-income elderly in rental flats, and the rolethat VWOs can play.

#4. The Government shouldconsider introducingguidelines for the provision ofaccessibility and safetyfeatures in the homes forseniors, through a review ofthe Code on Barrier-FreeAccessibility, to create a moresenior-friendly environment.

With effect from 1 Apr 07, new residentialbuildings (excluding landed properties) arerequired by BCA to meet the followingconditions:

(i) Each dwelling unit to have at least onetoilet that is large enough to be fitted withelderly and disabled friendly features; (ii)Maximum allowable difference in level

between the entrance to a residential unitand the common area, so that a short rampcan be fitted for the wheelchair-boundwhere needed; (iii) Specified height ofswitches and sockets from the finishedfloor level to enable wheelchair-bound

persons to use them easily.


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These new requirements will be legislatedwhen the revised BFA Code comes intoforce on 1 Apr 08.

HDB has also introduced Universal Design(UD) features in new public housing

projects tendered from Jul 06. Thesefeatures cover minimising level differenceswithin the flat (at entrance, bathroom andservice yard), ensuring doorways andinternal corridors are wide enough forwheelchair access, and the provision of atleast one wheelchair-accessible bathroom.There will also be provisions for residents

to add other features when the need arises,e.g. space for future installation of grab

bars in the bathrooms.

#5. MCYS and HDB shouldwork with VWOs andgrassroots organisations(GROs) to provide supportservices and opportunities forseniors to lead an activelifestyle.

The pilot Wellness Programme, announcedin Sep 07, aims to coordinate and enhanceexisting support services and activities

provided by partners within the localcommunity. Besides eldercare services, the

programme will emphasise on empoweringolder residents to lead active and healthylifestyles.

MCYS and MOH are also reviewingservices provided in the community, suchas Senior Activity Centres and

Neighbourhood Links.

#6. Town Councils shouldmake all HDB precincts

barrier-free as part of theirestate improvement works, ina coordinated effort to makeSingapore an AccessibleCity for all.

Work to ensure Barrier-Free Accessibility(BFA) is ongoing and on track to achieveBarrier-Free Accessibility in all HDB

precincts by 2011. As at end Nov 07, 122precincts were BFA.


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#7. LTA should work with thePublic Transport Operators tomake all new public buseslow-floor, step-free and wheel-chair accessible. TheGovernment should also helpto defray the additional costsinvolved.

All new public buses will be low-floor,step-free and wheelchair-accessible. Theolder buses will be replaced with suchwheel-chair accessible buses (WABs) whenthe former reach their statutory life-spanand are replaced. The Government hascommitted $21 million to help defray theadditional cost involved for 3,550 buses.

There are currently 12 bus service routeswhere WABs are deployed. About 40% ofthe bus fleet will be wheelchair-accessible

by 2010.

#8. LTA should expand andaccelerate the upgrading andimprovement of existing

barrier-free measures on roadfacilities to enhanceaccessibility betweendestinations, hence making iteasier for seniors and personswith disabilities to move abouton public streets and use the

public transport system.

LTA has committed $60 million to upgradeour road facilities to be barrier-free over thenext 3 years. For road facilities connectingtransport nodes to residential estates, theimprovement measures will beimplemented in tandem with upgrading

programmes set out by the Town Councils.


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#9. BCA should promoteUniversal Design (UD)through courses andguidelines, to encouragearchitects and designers todevelop a built environmentthat caters to all.

BCA published the 1st

UD guide in Sep 06to suggest how UD features can beincluded in these commercial buildings.The 2

ndguide was launched on 12 Oct 07

encompassing all building types.Complementing the guide, BCA conductscourses and seminars to equip the industrywith UD knowledge.

BCA has also instituted the UD Award togive recognition to building owners whoincorporated UD designs in their buildings.The first award was given out in May 07.

HDB held a Public Housing Seminar on 29Sep 06, to share the importance of UD with

building consultants, contractors, and estatemanagers. The HDB Universal DesignGuide Book for Public Housing waslaunched at the seminar. HDB has alsoextended the application of UD to a pilot

Neighbourhood Park project in Toa Payoh,which is targeted to complete by 1Q 09.

#10. BCA should introduceguidelines to improve inter-connectivity between

buildings, through a review ofthe Code on Barrier-FreeAccessibility, so that everyonecan travel between buildings,and between buildings andwalkways with minimal

obstruction.

For new buildings, BCA requires QualifiedPersons to submit accessible route plansto illustrate how the building can beaccessed from neighbouring buildings and

public facilities by persons with mobilitydifficulties.

This requirement will be legislated whenthe revised BFA Code comes into force on

1 Apr 08.

#11. BCA should introducenew legislative measures toensure continued complianceto the Code on Barrier-FreeAccessibility and other

BCA has amended the Building ControlAct to ensure that the accessibility featuresremain usable after construction iscompleted. It is expected to come into forcein early 08.


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building requirements so thatbuilding and facilities remainusable to seniors and personswith disabilities.

#12. The Government shouldset up an inter-agency barrier-free accessibility coordinationcommittee, to coordinateefforts for barrier-freeaccessibility, especially in theresolution of inter-connectivityissues where responsibilitiesfor implementing accessibility

provisions are not clearlyestablished or defined.

An Inter-Agency Coordination Committee,chaired by BCA and HDB, aims to resolveinter-connectivity issues in the builtenvironment. A list of accessible buildingsis also published on the BCAs website

(www.bca.gov.sg/BFA/BarrierFree_Search.aspx).

#13. The Government shouldtop-up Medisave accounts ofless well-off Singaporeanswhen there are budgetarysurpluses to ensure that seniorshave the means to afford

healthcare services.

In 2007, the Government provided totalMedisave top-ups of $67 to $333 toSingaporeans aged above 50. The top-upwill be distributed over 4 years.

#14. The Government shouldadopt a holistic, family

physician-centred approachtowards the management ofhealthcare needs for seniors,given their close proximity toseniors in the community andability to ensure that they

receive the most appropriatelevel of healthcare serviceswithin the community.

Family physicians are the focus of theChronic Disease Management Programme.From Jan 07, elderly patients have beenable to use Medisave to pay for treatmentrelated to key chronic diseases in any of the700 clinics registered under this

programme. The programme empowersfamily physicians to adopt a holistic

approach to manage the healthcare needs oftheir patients.

#15. The Government shouldexplore new models of

primary care delivery, such as

The Jurong Medical Centre, which startedoperations in Oct 06, is the one-stop

primary care centre piloted by MOH.


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the development of one-stopprimary healthcare centres, tosupport a network of privatesector family physicians, sothat they can shift the focus ofchronic disease managementfrom episodic-care to patient-centred, outcome-drivencontinuing care.

#16. The Government shouldpromote family physicians toprovide first-line medical carefor seniors in need of end-of-

life care, whether within theirown homes or in nursinghomes, so that they canreceive care in familiarsurroundings with their lovedones by their side.

Training in palliative care is included in alltraining programmes for family physiciansto empower them to take on a bigger role inthe provision of end-of-life care in the

community.

#17. The Government shouldpartner the private and people

sector to study and develop therange of community-basednursing services and personalcare services, to enhance therange of services available inthe community to allowageing-in-place.

Through the pilot Wellness Programme, theGovernment will encourage the operator

(which could be private or people sector) toidentify and cater to the needs of the localcommunity. For example, NTUCEldercare has started a pilot Care@Homeservice for Jurong GRC.

MCYS will also be reviewing the HomeHelp Service and Befrienders programmesto ensure that they continue to meet theneeds of the elderly to age-in-place.

#18. The Government shouldset up a Caregiver Centre tosupport families in care-givingthrough provision ofinformation resources and

A Caregivers Centre was set up in Apr 06.The Care Coordinators programme, inoperation since Dec 05, also helps to

provide caregiver support through publiceducation, support groups and caregiver


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programmes. training.

MCYS is reviewing the framework toenhance caregiver support.

#19. MOH and MCYS shouldenhance the role ofCommunity Case ManagementService through closerintegration with the hospitalsystem and the community, toensure that caregivers arelinked to proper follow-upcare in the community.

MOH and Integrated Care Services (ICS)are working on a proposal to expand ICS toan Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) tofacilitate the care coordination anddischarge management of patients. TheAIC would facilitate the optimisation ofmedical care and a smooth transition fromthe hospital to the home and long-term caresetting.

#20. The Government shouldencourage all hospitals tocollaborate with partner

agencies such as IntegratedCare Services to put in placeeffective discharge planningsystems, so as to facilitate thesmooth transition and follow-up of clients from hospitals tocommunity-based supportservices.

On the ground, the AIC will becomplemented by the pilot WellnessProgramme, which will also have the

information and referral component andaims to help seniors find the relevantservices within the local communitythrough dedicated Wellness Coordinators.

#21. MOH and MCYS should

jointly review theappropriateness of theResident Assessment Formclassification system indefining the clientele fornursing and sheltered homes,to ensure that continuity and

MOH and MCYS are jointly exploring the

feasibility of integrating sheltered homesand nursing homes, and how they shouldevolve so as to best meet the long-term careneeds of seniors.


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the right level of care areprovided. The Governmentshould also study the longerterm approach towards betterintegration of nursing homesand sheltered homes, in linewith promoting a continuumof care.

#22. The Government shouldset up a new intermediateresidential care facility, toaddress the current service gapin intermediate residential care

for seniors.

In Jul 06, MCYS set up a new residentialfacility located at Hong San Terrace, which

provides intermediate residential careservices. The intermediate care facilitycurrently has an occupancy rate of 63%.

#23. MOH and MCYS shouldwork together to allowintegrated models of day careand day rehabilitation centresto evolve based on market-driven needs, to provide moreclient-centric and efficient

services.

MCYS and MOH are reviewing the currentservice models with the aim of enhancingday care and day rehabilitation services sothat each type of centre can more optimallymeet the needs of seniors.

#24. The Government shouldstreamline and reduce datarequirements across service

providers, so as to reduce theadministrative work ofagencies, freeing them to focustheir energies on providing

excellent services.

NCSS has gathered feedback from VWOsand implemented the alignment of datarequirements with MOH and MCYS for co-funded programmes since Dec 05.

#25. MOH should review itspolicies to encourage privatesector participation andinnovation in intermediate andlong-term care, and conduct

Today, the intermediate and long-term carefacilities are largely run by charities. Thereis potential for the private sector to expandits role, particularly in the nursing homemarket, to meet different needs of different


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regular fora with them to chartthe course for the industry.

population segments.

MOH will look into facilitating the entry ofproviders which can add value to thissector. This will include measures tofurther improve market transparency, sothat the market can function better. In Oct06, MOH published an information paperon charges in the nursing home sector.MOH will continue to push out moreinformation, such as on clinical and service

performance.

#26. The Government should

develop a holistic manpowerdevelopment plan for thehealthcare and eldercaresector, to ensure the supply ofwell-trained professionals intandem with the ageing

population.

MOH, in collaboration other agencies (e.g.

MOE, MOM, WDA, NTUC and tertiaryeducational institutions), has ramped up oursupply of doctors, nurses and allied health

professions over the years. This is done byincreasing our local training intakes, activerecruitment of foreign trained healthcare

professionals, redesigning jobs andfacilitating entry of local mid-careerworkers into the healthcare sector. Such

efforts to train, recruit and increase thepipeline will be ongoing to meet ourevolving and expanding healthcare needs.

#27. The Government shouldwork with stakeholders to putin place a comprehensiveservice quality framework forthe eldercare sector, to ensureconsistent and progressive

standards of care nationally.

In Oct 07, WDA launched a skillsdevelopment framework for communityand social services sector under itsWorkforce Skills Qualifications system.MCYS and NCSS are working with WDAon using the skills development framework

to improve the skills of eldercare workersas part of the effort to improve servicestandards.


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#28. MOH should review theMedisave policy to allowMedisave withdrawals for thetreatment of some commonchronic diseases affecting theseniors.

MOH has rolled out the Chronic DiseaseManagement Programme from 1 Oct 06.Under this programme, Medisave can beused to pay for outpatient treatments ofdiabetes, hypertension, lipids disorders andstroke. Each Medisave account holder canwithdraw up to $300 per year for suchexpenses. Altogether, about 1 millionSingaporeans, many of them elderly, will

benefit.

#29. MOH should review theElderShield scheme, with theaim to improve the coverage

for seniors who require longterm care.

MOH has completed the review of theElderShield Scheme. As of 1 Oct 07, thereare 3 ElderShield insurers: Aviva, Great

Eastern Life, and NTUC Income. The newbasic ElderShield pays $400 per month incash, for up to 6 years. The premiums for

basic ElderShield can be paid withMedisave.

Insurers can also offer ElderShieldSupplements to those who prefer and canafford higher coverage. The premium for

Supplements can be paid for by Medisave(subject to a withdrawal limit of $600 perinsured per year).

#30. The Government shouldcommit $10 million over fiveyears to set up the GoldenOpportunities! Fund (GO!Fund) to seed more

programmes and activities for

seniors and by seniors.

MCYS announced the launch of the GO!Fund in Apr 06, with $20 million set asideover five years. Since Oct 07, theadministration of the GO! Fund has beentransferred to the Council for Third Age.Projects that have been funded under the

GO! Fund include: Learn My Dialectprogramme by Viriya Community Services,which aims to break down language

barriers between the dialect-speakingseniors and the younger generation, byrecruiting bilingual seniors to conductdialect training in schools and social


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service institutions; a 100-hour coursecovering subjects such as gerontologyhealth and community work for seniors byYoung-at- Heart! (YAH!) CommunityCollege.

#31. The Government shouldbuild on strong family ties toensure that the familycontinues to be the first line ofsupport.

The Council for Third Age has taken overthe organisation of Senior Citizens Weekand has re-branded it as Active AgeingFestival from 07 onwards. One of thethemes promoted under the Active AgeingFestival includes Grandparents Day on 25

Nov 07.

#32. The Government shouldsystematically inform older

persons of activities. For

instance, the Governmentcould publish an activelifestyle magazine to be madereadily available to older

persons.

In collaboration with CPF, MCYS issuedan active ageing publication in Nov 06entitled, Jubilee to 20,000 seniors turning

55 years.Since 06, SPRING Publishing, acommercial publisher, has published bi-monthly PRIME (English) and GaoFeng(Chinese) magazines targeted at personsaged 45 years and above.

#33. The Government shouldensure that all public spaces inhousing estates such as parks

and sporting venues havefacilities that cater to thewhole family, includingseniors, so as to make itconvenient for seniors toengage in sports.

SSC is enhancing sports facilities withbetter signage, lightings, open space forinteraction, and more rest areas, as well as

upgrading existing sports facilities.

SSC and PA will work to offer a greatervariety of sports courses and activities at allcommunity clubs/centres where space anddemand permits.


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SSC has also built elder-friendly anddisabled-friendly sports facilities at JurongWest, Choa Chu Kang, Jalan Besar andJurong East.

#34. HPB should implementmore programmes to informseniors of the importance and

benefits of healthy living, toincrease public awareness ofhealth issues.

HPB will conduct talks andcommunity and workplace-

based outreach activities topromote healthy living.

HPB has developed and enhanced severalprogrammes to reach out to seniors toincrease their knowledge and awareness ofthe importance of living a healthy lifestyleand to encourage them to engage in health

promoting behaviours. These include:

1)Screening programmes for diabetes, highblood pressure and high cholesterol.

2)Those screened as abnormal will betracked and followed up to ensure thatthey are treated. They will be counselledon how to manage their disease and thelifestyle changes they need to make.

3)Healthy eating.

4)

Physical activity for health benefits andexercises to increase muscle strength,improve flexibility and balance to

prevent falls.

#35. The Government shouldprovide for more public spaceswithin housing estates andneighbourhood parks forseniors to interact and

socialise, such as ensuring thatevery recreational area inestates is suitable for thewhole family, includingseniors.

The family playground concept has beenimplemented in new HDB housing

precincts. Family playgrounds have bothplay equipment for children and exerciseequipment for the youth, adults and elderly.

For older estates, their playgrounds arebeing converted to family playgrounds aspart of precinct upgrading by HDB andTown Councils. As at Apr 07, there were136 family playgrounds in public housingestates.


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Where possible, NParks, as part of its parkdevelopment programme, will design parksthat are universally accessible and havefacilities such as exercise equipment thatare senior-friendly. Since 2004, NParkshas been retrofitting parks to make themuniversally accessible and equipped withelder-friendly facilities.

NParks is also targeting to set up about 400community gardening groups/plots by2010.

#36. NVPC should work with

partners to develop andpromote more volunteeringopportunities for seniors, to

better harness theirexperiences and skills for thecommunity.

Since 2006, NVPC has been increasing

awareness of senior volunteerism throughpublic education materials and events,media relations and media campaigns.These include fairs organised to promoteactive ageing and volunteerism and adedicated brochure featuring volunteeropportunities for seniors. NVPC has also

been actively promoting seniorvolunteerism to non-profit organisations

(NPOs) through visits and focus groupdiscussions involving NPO representatives.

To help facilitate recruitment andencourage retention of senior volunteers,

NVPC has developed an on-line bestpractice guide for NPOs, Engaging SeniorVolunteers: A Guide for Non-profitOrganisations.NVPC has also acquiredrelevant publications on senior volunteering

for its Resource Centre for publicconsumption.

NVPC also conducts training for NPOs tohelp them in managing and retaining theirsenior volunteers.


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#37. Universities andpolytechnics should providemore learning opportunitiesfor seniors, to allow seniorsthe opportunity to learn and

pursue their interest areas.

With support from MCYS GoldenOpportunities (GO!) Fund in 2007, YAH!College has expanded lifelong learning inthe community.

In Aug 07, the Council for Third Age alsosigned a MOU with UniSIM to promote theGeneral Studies Programme beginning2008. 500 spaces have been set aside forseniors.

MCYS will continue to facilitate and openup opportunities for older Singaporeans toembark on lifelong learning opportunities.

#38. NLB should providemore large print books andaudio-visual materials thatappeal to seniors.

Since 2006, NLB has conducted focusgroup sessions to obtain end-users' inputs,which have been incorporated into thespecifications outlining the collection

buildup. Today, a total of 12,000 volumesof audio books have been placed atTampines, Woodlands and Jurong regionallibraries and the Central Lending Library.

Large-font books have also been added toNLB branches.

#39. SSC and PAshould introduce familypasses to encouragemulti-generational useof sports facilities.

The Grassroots Organisations (GROs)under the PA offer discounts and incentivesfor family participation in many of theiractivities. PA will encourage GROs to domore where appropriate.

The SSC also launched its Senior CitizenFamily Pass in 2007, which offers

discounts for senior citizens and theirfamily members to facilitate inter-generational bonding among seniors andtheir families through sports.

good progress made in preparing for an ageing population, press release, 15 jan 2008

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