f.
To include general practitioners in the strategies and plans
of action for care of older persons. Currently, their roles are
absent, whereas they can play an important role in improving
access to care for older persons;
g. The translation of policies into actions must be closely
followed to ensure their effectiveness. Similarly, it is
important to review the plan of action to ensure that they are
realistic, appropriate and effective.
Topic 3 – Existing Challenges and Issues that Affect the Standards of Care
Provided by Caregivers Caring For Older Persons in Both Government and
Private Care Centres by Dr. Rahimah Ibrahim, Deputy Director of Institute
of Gerontology, UPM
Dr. Rahimah briefed the participants on the following issues and
challenges:
22. World Health Organisation (WHO) defined aged care as “the system
of activities undertaken by informal caregivers (family, friends and/
or neighbours) and/or professionals (health, social services and
others) to ensure that a person who is not fully capable of self care
can maintain the highest possible quality of life.” There are several
types of care as follows:
i.
Personal/Social Care (personal or domestic, recreational,
leisure, companionship) vs. Health Care (medical, nursing and
allied health)
ii. Short-term Care (post-acute) vs. Long-term Care (chronic,
rehabilitative, specialised care)
iii. Residential (with housing) vs. Non-residential
iv. Institutional Care (clients receiving care within health or
social institution) vs. Community Care (outreach to clients,
mobile services)
v. Institutional-based vs. Home-based
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REPORT ON CARE SERVICES FOR OLDER PERSONS AND SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS