Seniors looking after older ones can help elderly age in place: Shanmugam

SINGAPORE: As Singapore's population ages, active seniors can play a role in providing care to the older ones. This can help the elderly age in place, said Foreign Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam on Sunday (Nov 2). The government had forecast that in 2030, the number of residents aged 65 years or older will hit 900,000.

Mr Shanmugam, who is also the MP for Nee Soon GRC, was speaking to reporters at Active Ageing Carnival in his constituency. He said: "Given that we are ageing so fast, we'll have to look at slightly senior citizens looking after even older people. Because the number of volunteers is going to be coming down, because people above 65 - many of them will continue working if they are healthy - we are encouraging them to become volunteers."

Over 1,000 residents participated in the carnival - an initiative to encourage active ageing and volunteerism among seniors. The carnival saw five senior volunteers - the oldest, aged 77 - receiving awards for their efforts in helping other seniors.

Nee Soon GRC has 298 volunteers who are above the age of 60. About 28 per cent of its residents are more than 50 years old. Khoo Sam Yak, a 77-year-old volunteer from Nee Soon South, said: "I am helping others, and I still have the strength and ability to do, so I will help. But I will not be able to contribute financially (chuckles). I find volunteering interesting and so I have been doing it, and it has been 24 years since I started."

Another volunteer who received the award is 68-year-old Vivien Ow, who also works part time at a nursing home. "My kids and grandchildren are all grown-ups, and I have time. I would like to use my time to join activities and help others. I feel happy when the seniors are happy, too," she said. "The younger volunteers typically take on tasks that are more laborious. For us seniors, we usually sit with the older folks and it helps, because we, being seniors ourselves, understand and know what they need."

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Low-income, elderly residents can apply for assistance with heating costs

Low-income residents who need help paying to heat their homes this winter can apply for assistance beginning Monday.


The CSRA Economic Opportunity Authority will begin accepting applications for Richmond County citizens who are 65 years and older. Only 150 applications will be accepted daily through Nov. 14. No applications will be taken on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

To qualify for the Energy Assistance Program, residents must be responsible for paying the energy cost for the home’s primary heating source; a U.S. citizen or legally admitted alien; and have an income at or below 160 percent of the poverty level for Georgia.

Apply at the Carrie J. Mays Family Life Center, 1014 Eleventh Ave. between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Bring a photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income in the past 30 days and the most recent heating bill.

All household members must be 65 years and older. An authorized representative can apply on behalf of homebound citizens. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, call (706) 724-0701 or (877) 724-0706.

Cache Valley Volunteer Center offering help with shoveling for elderly, disabled

The Cache Valley Volunteer Center is inviting people who are elderly, disabled, home-bound or have other limitations to get help shoveling their walks this winter through the Sidewalk Snow Removal Assistance program.

Snow Removal Assistance is in its second year. The program was instigated by Logan city to ensure sidewalks are cleared in accordance with city code, understanding that some people are physically unable to do so.

“It was pretty successful last year,” said Debra Byington, outreach specialist at the center. “There were about 25 (individuals served). We’re hoping for more this year.”

The volunteer center works with different community groups to have them shovel walks after each snowfall, she said. Typically, they can get the walks shoveled within the day or evening after a storm.

Byington said if people signed up last winter, they need to sign up again if they want snow removal services this year.

To sign up for snow removal, call Byington at 764-6311.

Blessing aims to help elderly patients recover faster

QUINCY, Ill. (WGEM) -

A new Blessing Hospital program aims to help elderly patients recover faster from broken hips.

The Break Free Program was announced Friday morning.

Hospital officials say one in four people who suffer a hip fracture, die as a result of complications.

This new program helps patients get into surgery with 24 hours, and up and moving quickly after surgery.

"Not just fast but excellent recovery," Dr. Rena Stewart said. "We are trying to get patients back as close to the state they were in before they had the broken hip."

The hospital says the program does not cost extra, it's a coordination between the primary care provider, surgeons and staff. 

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Caring for an elderly relative at home

Decisions about providing care for an aging loved one are seldom easy. Various options exist in terms of elder care, including assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Seniors who are self-sufficient may be able to stay in a retirement community or active living building. In other instances, the best course of action is to have an elderly relative move in with family members.

According to Dr. Nancy Snyderman, who recently took on the role of caregiver to her own senior parents, 44 million American adults are caring for an older friend or family member. MetLife estimates that nearly 10 million adult children over age 50 now care for an aging parent. Care is defined as helping with feeding, bathing, dressing, and other personal care needs, going beyond driving a parent to appointments or helping them with financial matters.

Taking care of a senior requires a profound commitment and can completely disrupt a person’s life, both at home and at work. Men and women faced with caring for an aging parent at home may want to employ several strategies to make that transition go as smoothly as possible.Talk to the senior about your options. Making decisions together will be best for everyone involved. It can be challenging to discuss mortality and whether or not elderly parents or relatives can properly care for themselves. Broach the subject well in advance of making any plans so you will have some understanding of how the senior feels about the situation and what would make him or her most comfortable. Your parents may already have a plan in place.

Establish a caregiving budget. Caring for the elderly is expensive. MetLife says working Americans lose an estimated $3 trillion in lifetime wages, with average losses of $324,044 for women and $283,716 for men, taking time to provide care. Before a senior can be welcomed into your home, you must first determine which financial changes must be made to accommodate this person. Will a parent be contributing to a portion of the expenses or paying rent? Is it feasible for you to reduce hours at work to care for this individual? Once you have the numbers in black and white, you can better assess your situation.

Make physical modifications. Your home may not be equipped and safe for an elderly resident. You may need to add a private space for your parent or relative, and install night lights, secured railings, grab bars, ramps, a shower chair, and anti-slip surfaces. You may need to build an extension on the home or completely renovate what you have to make the space safe.

Aim for stability. Moving and changing routines can be especially stressful for seniors who are used to their own schedules and habits. Transfer furniture and mementos from their home into yours. Encourage seniors to maintain a social schedule and invite friends over. Try to help your loved one keep his or her doctors and, if possible, take them to shop where they have shopped in the past. These opportunities will make the transition to a new home easier.

Discuss finances. It’s essential to understand your loved one’s financial situation. Make lists of his or her assets and any insurance policies in his or her name. Understand which health procedures are covered and discuss ways to finance any procedures or medications that are not covered by your loved one’s policy. Ask if your loved one wants you to manage his or her finances or when he or she may feel this is necessary. Professional help, such as an attorney, financial planner or a geriatric care manager, can make it easier to understand the legalities and subtleties of these arrangements.

Make time for yourself. Caring for the elderly can seem like a full-time job, and it’s easy to forget yourself in the process. Make time for yourself so your own health is not sacrificed while you tend to your loved one.