Singapore: Eldercare Services and the Role of the Intermediate and Long Term Care (ILTC)
Question 1 (35 marks)
Mdm G is a new walk-in case to your Family Service Centre in Singapore. You are a social worker working at the family service center and have been assigned to the intake interview. You noticed Mdm G was slightly unsteady in her gait. With further prompting, you gathered the following information:
Mdm G is a 75-year old female widow. Her husband died in a road traffic accident six months ago. It was a tragic shock to the family. The elderly couple has three children comprising the eldest son (aged 49, single) and two younger daughters (both are married and living apart). The son has a history of epilepsy and may slip into recurrent seizures (fits). Currently, Mdm G and her son live in a small old 3 room HDB apartment flat (fully paid). Mdm G’s late husband was a fit elderly. He supported the family with his pension and helped to supervise the care of his son, particularly when he has a seizure.
When asked about the reason why Mdm G has decided to approach the family service center for help, she hesitated in her reply. After a few minutes have passed, Mdm G disclosed that her son, had on two occasions in the last two weeks, pushed and hit her, resulting in bruises on her shoulders and lower back. Mdm G attributed it to her ‘clumsiness’, and tried to assure you that her son is still an obedient and filial child. According to Mdm G, despite the two daughters having their own family commitments, they still support
Mdm G with a monthly allowance. She further disclosed that her two daughters have been persuading her to send her son to a Home for the Disabled. Mdm G appears to be torn. On one hand she is aware of her increased physical frailty yet on the other hand, she knows her late husband would want their son to remain at home. Mdm G is on regular hospital appointments for her diabetes and high blood pressure.
(a) Discuss the possible physical, psychological, and social needs of Mdm G.
(15 marks)
(b) Based on the holistic needs of Mdm G, explain and apply your knowledge of TWO (2) relevant eldercare programmes or services in Singapore, and TWO (2) relevant skills needed in working effectively with Mdm G.
(20 marks)
Question 2
With an ageing population, declining birth and reduced household size, the elderly in Singapore may face various difficulties to remain living at home. Appraise the role of the Intermediate and Long Term Care (ILTC) and the respective services learnt in your course as well as your own personal readings under.
(i) Home Based
(ii) Centre Based
(iii) Residential Based services, in order to promote ageing in place for the aged sick.
(25 marks)
Question 3
Explain FOUR (4) possible challenges experienced by the young-old (55-64 years old) managing the care of their very old parents or relatives (more than 85 years old).
(20 marks)
Question 4
You noticed that a group of elderly in their 60s have been coming down to the Residents’ Committee (RC) Community Corner for casual chat sessions. The previous RC manager, who resigned six months ago, used to run ad-hoc karaoke sessions for the elderly. Since the manager’s departure, the interest in karaoke has dwindled and no one has ever since initiated any suitable programme for this group of elderly. You have recently taken on the position as the new manager of the RC. At the same time, you have also received training in social work. Recently, the same group of elderly have expressed their interest to you that they would like to remain active and volunteer their skills and talents to benefit the community. You gathered that some of the elderly are knowledgeable about gardening and photography. Apply the Activity and Continuity theories learnt in your course as you plan and develop senior volunteerism and healthy ageing for this group of elderly volunteers.
(20 marks)
Singapore Social Work: Eldercare
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Singapore Social Work: Eldercare
Question 1
Possible Physical, Psychological, and Social Needs of Mdm G
Physical Needs
Mdm G needs ongoing medical care for several health conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure. Her wobbly walk can indicate mobility or balance concerns, which might necessitate more evaluation and treatment (Zhang et al., 2020). Mdm G also exhibits bruises from physical assault on her shoulders and lower back, which shows the need for medical care and therapy. Mdm G needs immediate medical attention and treatment for the bruises caused by physical violence to her shoulders and lower back (Zhang et al., 2020). Serious physical and psychological harm, including bruises, cuts, broken bones, and psychological trauma, can result from physical abuse. In order to determine the degree of her injuries and to offer the proper care and therapy to address the psychological trauma, Mdm G needs a thorough medical evaluation.
Psychological Needs
Mdm G is mourning the loss of her spouse, a big event in life that can be upsetting and affect one's mental health. Her son's physical maltreatment may have also resulted in psychological trauma and worry, necessitating therapy, and emotional care (Zhang et al., 2020). Mdm G is also caught between upholding her late husband's desires and thinking about her security and well-being. Due to the maltreatment, Mdm G can experience feelings of shame and loneliness, which could worsen her mental health (Zhang et al., 2020). Therefore, offering Mdm G emotional support and counseling can aid her in coping with the trauma of physical abuse by helping her manage her feelings of grief, guilt, and fear.
Social Needs
Mdm G lives in a small HDB flat with her epileptic son, who may need attention during seizures. Mdm G may feel stressed and alone due to space constraints and perhaps caregiving duties. Mdm G's daughters live independently and provide financial support but may not be available for emotional support and company (Tanaka et al., 2017). Mdm G's daughters live apart, limiting their emotional support and connection. Thus, Mdm G's social needs must be identified and met through social interaction, companionship, and emotional support. This action could involve linking her to community-based resources like senior activity centers, where she can socialize with other seniors.
Eldercare Programs in Singapore
Caregivers Alliance Limited Program
The non-profit Caregivers Alliance Limited supports and empowers senior caregivers, especially those with chronic illnesses or impairments. They offer counseling, support groups, education and training, and respite care (Rawtaer et al., 2020). The group understands carers may feel alone, burned out, and emotionally distressed. Thus, they offer caregivers emotional and psychological support, coping strategies, and respite care to give them a break. Caregivers Alliance Limited may help Mdm G with her epileptic son (Rawtaer et al., 2020). She may feel overwhelmed and exhausted as a caretaker. She can talk to qualified counselors at the organization about her problems and get assistance.
Senior Activity Centres Program
Seniors can eat, socialize, and be monitored at these centers. This service may offer Mdm G companionship, social assistance, and health monitoring (Rawtaer et al., 2020). Senior Activity Centres can assist Mdm G in socializing and reducing her isolation. She can maintain her physical and mental health by taking fitness, painting, or other classes (Rawtaer et al., 2020). Senior Activity Centers provide meals and health monitoring to help her manage diabetes and high blood pressure.
Relevant Skills Needed in Working Effectively with Mdm G
Active Listening
Active listening entails paying close attention to what the other person is saying, both audibly and nonverbally, and attempting to grasp their point of view (Jevs, 2021). In Mdm G's case, active listening can help her feel heard and respected while also allowing her to communicate her concerns and wants.
Empathy
Empathy entails putting oneself in another person's shoes and attempting to understand their feelings and experiences (Jevs, 2021). This ability is especially critical when working with Mdm G, who has many health concerns, emotional discomfort, and social isolation. Social workers can show Mdm G that they understand and care about her circumstances by exhibiting empathy, which can help create trust and rapport.
Question 2: The Role of the Intermediate and Long-Term Care (ILTC) and the RespectiveServices Under Home-Based, Centre-Based, and Residential Based Services
Home-Based Services
Home-based services let seniors age in place by providing care and assistance. Home nursing, medical, personal care, therapy, and meal delivery are included. Home-based services offer medical and non-medical care to older people in their homes (Zhuang et al., 2022). Personal care services help seniors with bathing, dressing, and grooming...