Extracts from MCYS & MOH COS in Parliament

1. Extracts from MCYS & MOH COS in Parliament As of 19 February 2009

2. Community-Based Services for Seniors and Caregivers • MCYS will pump in $18m over the next 5 years for the development and operation of 6 new DCCs & 22 new SACs • Key Initiatives include: • $5m budget for new DCCs in addition to a maintenance exercise enhancement programme and means-tested transport subsidy for DCCs • $13m to upgrade selected SACs and build 22 new ones, bringing the total number of SACs to 41 by 2013

3. Supporting Caregivers • MCYS will look at expanding caregiver training and support programmes • Families can currently tap on the Caregiver Training Grant to attend caregiver training courses • Some of the courses can be accredited to the Workforce Skills Qualifications framework, so that caregivers may also find employment in the eldercare sector

4. Building an Age-friendly Community • HDB precincts to be barrier-free by 2011, and for lifts to be at every floor by 2014 • HDB is building more studio apartments, 2-Rm and 3-Rm flats to expand the range of housing options for seniors • The Wellness Programme (MCYS) and Neighbours Connect programme (PA) are initiatives to encourage families, friends and neighbours to care and support our seniors through social networks and interest groups

5. Building an Age-friendly Community • More resources to improve public education, prevention, detection and early treatment of mental illnesses • MOH will pump $35m over the next 3 years to identify and treat potential mental health problems early in the community • Healthcare professionals will continue to follow up with patients discharged from IMH and render support to patients and their families • Strengthening community support services by training staff from VWOs, grassroots, schools and GPs to detect, counsel and care for individuals in need within the community

6. Addressing Healthcare Challenges • MOH initiatives: • MOH will commit $4b over 5 years to expand healthcare capacity in new general hospitals, community hospitals, nursing homes (NHs) and enhanced IT capabilities. • MOH will allow means-tested patients to access to private NHs through the portable subsidy scheme. The Medifund Silver will also be extended to needy subsidised patients in private NHs.

7. Addressing Healthcare Challenges • MOH initiatives (cont’d): • Expanded the scope for Primary Care Partnership Scheme (PCPS) to cover 3 common chronic diseases (Diabetes, Lipid disorders & Hypertension) in addition to acute illnesses. Needy elderly Singaporeans can now receive subsidised care from their GP. • Long-term care financing needs to be considered. A framework comprising Eldersave, Eldershield and Elderfund (3Es) could be developed to help Singaporeans save up while they are young. More information on MOH’ budget initiatives can be found at http://www.moh.gov.sg/mohcorp/speeches.aspx

8. Developing Singapore as a Hub for Ageing • EDB is leading efforts to develop the health & wellness industry • 2 conferences on ageing were held in January 2009 • MCYS is calling for proposals to develop age-friendly products in HDB homes • SMU has set up a Centre for Silver Security to conduct research on retirement security in ageing populations

9. Professionalisation of Social Service Sector • More efforts to give social workers due recognition and respect for their professional work • MCYS will look into further revision of salary benchmark for social work professionals • Application for accreditation of social workers will be open by April 2009 More information on MCYS’ budget initiatives can be found at http://app.mcys.gov.sg/web/corp_press.asp