By S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia Posted: 18 September 2009 1730 hrs
SINGAPORE : NTUC's eldercare programmes got a boost on Friday, with the labour movement giving S$1.1 million towards the Eldercare Trust.
The amount is S$600,000 more than last year's disbursement. Nearly half the amount will be for day-care services to cater for the more frail seniors. The balance will go towards subsidising part of day-care fees, making it more affordable for middle-lower income families who send their elderly parents to these centres.
Families whose incomes are affected by retrenchments in view of the current economic crisis or face financial hardships will also be helped through an additional level of financial subsidy. Besides day-care services, the centres will also provide wound dressings, administration of medication and other related services that could only be administered by nurses.
Meanwhile, 50 people from the NTUC Eldercare centres at Pasir Ris and Punggol South received influenza vaccines to help protect them from the recent string of influenza viruses.
NTUC Eldercare also wants to have step-down services within easy reach of the community, and some 300 elderly and caregivers are expected to benefit from this exercise.
NTUC Eldercare General Manager, Lim Sia Hoe, said: "Singapore is facing an ageing population and the demand for integrated care services will grow.
As such, NTUC Eldercare has been working with partners such as Changi General Hospital and local general practitioners to support the nursing component, so that families can continue to care for their elderly parents responsibly through our affordable step-down care services.
"Starting with Pasir Ris Day Care Centre, we hope to eventually implement a sustainable form of nursing care and pain management in all our five centres." - CNA/ms
No comments:
Post a Comment