SINGAPORE: Elderly sick need emotional care too

. SINGAPORE / The Straits Times / Health / May 25, 2009 Well-mannered caregivers and avenues for more contact with family members and friends should form an integral part of the health-care system, writes Jolly Wee Huat Choon in today's edition of The Straits Times. I REFER to last Thursday's report, 'Singapore gears up for silver tsunami'. With so much resources to be expended on the comprehensive health-care system for the elderly sick, the Ministry of Health's ultimate goal should be to see these seniors live their lives as authentically as possible in the nursing homes. Well-mannered caregivers who are respectful and cordial towards the elderly and avenues for more contact with family members and friends for the seniors' emotional well-being should form an integral part of the health-care system. Use personality tests to better ensure that the right candidate is selected for the job as a caregiver. Also, have nursing homes relocated to where the majority of patients live to make it convenient for more visits to the nursing homes by loved ones and friends, feels Jolly Wee Huat Choon. Copyright ©2007 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd.