Four Ways to Enhance Care (SINGAPORE)

Four ways to enhance care

By Daryll Nanayakara
Nov 11, 2011

In its latest effort to create a more inclusive society, the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) will launch four initiatives to address the concerns of an ageing population and the disabled.

EXTENSION OF LICENCE FOR LONDON CABS

London cabs will operate here for at least another year.

That was the assurance given by Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, Major-General (NS) Chan Chun Sing, yesterday at the LivEnabled Conference at the Grand Copthorne Waterfont Hotel.

SMRT had intended to retire the fleet of 15 taxis when its licence expires in March next year.

The decision sparked concerns from wheelchair-bound commuters who rely on the taxis for transport.

During the buffer period, the Land Transport Authority, SMRT and various ministries will work together to find a long-term solution. This may take up to three months.

MG Chan said extending the operation of the taxis is just a temporary solution as the crux of the issue is the provision of a more inclusive transport system. "The larger issue is how we provide affordable and accessible transport services for a certain group of disabled people," he said.

THREE MORE SENIOR SERVICE CENTRES

There will be three more Senior Service Centres to cater to the elderly who will live in upcoming studio apartments in Ang Mo Kio, Queenstown and Jurong West, said MG Chan.

This follows positive feedback from the first such centre opened in Bishan earlier this year.

The new facilities, expected to be ready by March next year, will act as all-in-one service centres that provide free social services to senior citizens.

The centres will boast monitoring and emergency-response systems, and will give residents access to welfare and recreational services.

BETTER CAPABILITIES AT DAY-CARE CENTRES TO HELP DEMENTIA PATIENTS

Measures to tackle the increasing number of elderly sufferers of dementia were unveiled yesterday.

MCYS said it will improve the physical environment of its 22 affiliated Day Care Centres and make them safer for dementia patients. Staff at these centres will undergo training to better care for dementia sufferers.

The ministry will also hold monthly case discussions with the Institute of Mental Health and Changi General Hospital to create recommended activities for dementia clients.

According to figures released by the Health Promotion Board last month, 20,000 elderly Singaporeans suffer from the condition.

SUBTITLES FOR NATIONAL PROGRAMMES

The ministry plans to introduce English subtitles for all television programmes of national significance.

MG Chan said this will apply to televised events such as the National Day Rally, and important announcements or news programmes on matters of security or national interest.

This is in response to feedback from the hearing-impaired community, MCYS said. The change may take effect from early next year.

SOURCE:   ASIAONE.COM
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