77. An online training program which is cost effective could be
developed in order to gather feedback from general practitioners/
doctors, to identify gaps and knowledge and to develop an
appropriate training database from interested parties. It is also
important to have an updated database on older persons as a
baseline, which could be implemented with collaboration from
ministries such as National Registration Department and Ministry of
Health who are the custodian of the required information necessary
to develop the database.
78. Ethics and the rights to access to care services should be made known
to the people at large. Older persons should be able to live with
dignity (consent, advanced directives) and all parties involved in the
delivery of care services should be clear about their roles and
responsibilities.
Funding from government
79. The Government could provide more assistance to care centres for
older persons in terms of money or resources to support activities like
training in information technology. This could enable older persons to
earn an income and continue contributing to society, while ensuring
that their time at the centres is utilised effectively. Financial aid and
technical support should be provided to private caregivers,
including operators of care centres and individuals. This is crucial if
the intention is to move from government-based care to that provided
by the community and private sector.
80. Family and Community care services are the more viable option
for long term aged care. Government funding should be directed
toward strengthening support for family caregivers and
widening care options in the community to preserve the values of
caring communities.
81. Due to the Ministry of Health requirements, most nursing homes
have to comply with standards set for hospices, resulting in higher
costs. It is suggested that the Government subsidise a portion of the
operating costs, including utilities such as water and electricity bills,
which are currently based on the commercial rate.
44
REPORT ON CARE SERVICES FOR OLDER PERSONS AND SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS