Some useful information / contacts for pungollians living with elderly.

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Information on Eldershield


ElderShield was first launched by MOH in September 2002 as an affordable severe disability insurance scheme which provides basic financial protection to those who need long term care. It provides a monthly cash payout for a limited period to help pay out-of pocket expenses for the care of severely disabled persons. ( bed-bound )

All Singaporeans and Permanent Residents (PRs) who are CPF members and who reach the age of 40 are automatically covered under ElderShield unless they opt out of the scheme. Premiums for ElderShield can be made from CPF members' Medisave Accounts. A CPF member can also use his Medisave monies to pay the ElderShield premiums for his parents, spouse, grandparents and children. Benefits are claimable under ElderShield at any age for the rest of your life once all premiums are fully paid.

In 2007 MOH made the following changes to Eldershield scheme.

•   Monthly payout increased from $300 to $400. Maximum payout extended from 60 to 72 months.
•   Eldershield supplements can be purchased for policy holders to obtain higher insurance coverage.

 Moh has appointed Aviva , Great Eastern and NTUC Income  as insurers.

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Carnival to help Seniors stay engaged.

This year's carnival will be held at the Suntec City Mall from 11.00 AM to 9.00 PM 20th June to 21st June 2009. Saturday and Sunday.

It is organised by the Council For Third Age (C3A ). It kicks off the five month long, active ageing festival, showcasing how Seniors can stay engaged.

About 40 groups and voluntary welfare organisations will take part to show elders / seniors ways to experience new things and challenges.

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Most Singaporeans are unaware of information about dementia such as early warning signs of the illness.

The latest Survey conducted by Singapore's Health Promotion Board (HPB) showed that, of the 10 warning signs of dementia, most Singaporeans could only identify one.

So the HPB is launching a series of events to raise awareness of the symptoms of the disease.

The 10 warning signs of dementia are:-

1. Forgetfulness that affects day-to-day function
2. Difficulty in doing familiar tasks
3. Problems communicating
4. Difficulty planning or solving problems
5. Misplacing things
6. Confusion over time and place
7. Poor or decreased judgement
8. Changes in mood or behaviour
9. Changes in personality
10. Withdrawal from work or social activities

At the moment, there is no cure for Dementia, but drugs can slow down the process if detected early.

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Medical Home Service :

The National Healthcare Group's ( NHG ) Advance care programme, provides palliative home care service for patients with advance COPD, heart or renal failure.

The unit helps patients to manage their pain and symptoms.

Doctors and nurses also visits them at regular intervals to check vitals, medication and provide counselling. The service is free but patients pay for their medication.