Monday, November 17, 2008

NMP calls for pocket money fund for seniors

A SENIORS' Pocket Money Fund should be started to help needy elderly folk meet their daily expenses and medical needs, Nominated MP Kalyani Mehta suggested yesterday.

The Government can offer an initial start-up amount, with philanthropists, foundations and individual donors chipping in the rest.

This fund could be managed by a private organisation, with a committee assessing the needs of applicants, said Associate Professor Mehta.

Just as school-going children from poorer families can tap the School Pocket Money Fund, started in 2000 by The Straits Times, she hopes a 'champion' will offer a similar financial lifeline to those aged above 70.

'The fund will symbolise our society's gratitude to the past contributions of our seniors while...respecting their dignity,' she said.

Prof Mehta, who specialises in ageing issues, spoke during an adjournment motion - which allows an MP to tackle an issue in depth - and pointed out gaps in policy and social services for the elderly here.

Her observations were a 'culmination of 19 years of reflection and analysis', starting from her PhD research on the elderly. With a growing greying generation here, she wants the Government to look into several issues.

One, set up a National Registry of Elders for seniors who live alone or as couples. This way, targeted help such as financial aid, health screenings or meal and transport vouchers can reach them easily.

Two, have consistent means-testing formulas among government agencies. Prof Mehta noted that someone who is eligible for financial assistance at a day rehabilitation centre may not qualify for a similar subsidy at a social day-care centre.

Three, set up a National Council of Ageing - first proposed in 1989 by an advisory council - to coordinate policies and services for the elderly. That is because the Government's 'many helping hands' approach means service delivery is 'fragmented, piecemeal and not easy to navigate', she said.

Four, introduce policies such as mandatory family leave.

Five, have more funding for home-based health and social care services. Studies show that home- based health care saves the State thousands of dollars and is preferred by elderly patients.

Six, have more day-care centres for the growing pool of dementia patients.

Responding, Mr Lim Boon Heng, minister-in-charge of ageing issues, said Prof Mehta's views would be considered. Some, such as a registry and eldercare leave for employees, are already under study.

On the issue of leave, he said: 'It has to be arrived at with consensus of the employers because quite apart from childcare, eldercare leave can actually be a most costly item. I'll not rule it out, but it's something we should not rush into.'

Also being reviewed: Provision of rehabilitation services and social day care, nursing homes and caregiver training.

But Mr Lim also stressed the need for self-reliance: 'The individual must take personal responsibility. When he needs care, the family should provide the first line of support. Then comes the community and the State.'

The Government, he added, has paid 'a lot of attention' to ensure people have sufficient retirement savings and affordable health care.

There is also a need to change perceptions of ageing: 'If we remain healthy, there's no reason why we cannot be active until 80. We're old when we think we're old.'

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