Some useful information / contacts for pungollians living with elderly.

[tom]

An apple a day keeps DOCTORS  away.

A fish a day keeps DEMENTIA away.

Dementia in the elderly, also happens to people in their early 40's is frightening. A visit to the home for dementia will tell.

The " a fish a day keeps dementia away " is the findings by surveys by clinical epidemiologist at London's Kings college.

A total of 15,000 elderly 65 years old and above in China, India, Cuba, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela found that those who eat fish almost everyday were 20 % less likely to develop dementia. 

The reason :  fish may be protective against dementia because it is rich in omega-3,  long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids may have numerous health benefits including anti-inflammatory properties.

[tom]

Elderly people need to eat right.

The diet of the elderly very often lacks nutrients such as PROTEIN, WATER, FIBRE, VITAMIN D, minerals such as IRON, Calcium and ZINC.

Protein is necessary for muscle repair and retention. Meat and Poultry are rich in protein. Alternatively, if chewing is a problem, tofu, fish and beans are good alternatives.

Calcium and Vitamin D are important to prevent osteoporosis. Vitamin D can be obtain by exposing to sunlight, calcium from dairy products. A rich source of calcium are from consuming ikan bilis and sardine.

Drinking enough water is also very important. Water is essential to rid the body of waste products and to maintain kidney health.

Lets eat right. 

[tom]

Higher government subsidies for hospice care.

The revised subsidy rate , to spread over eight tiers instead of the current three will start 1st. Oct. 2009.

Total family income based on a family of 4.     $1400              Susidy level 75 %
                                                              $1401 to $2200                  70 %
                                                              $2201 to $3000                  60 %
                                                              $3001 to $3800                  50 %
                                                              $3801 to $4600                  40 %
                                                              $4601 to $5200                  30 %
                                                              $5201 to $5400                  20 %
                                                              $5401 to $5600                  10 %
                                                              $Above   $5600           No subsidy

[tom]

What is step-down care ?

After being discharged from an illness from hospital an elderly patient can opt for the following step-down care.

COMMUNITY HOSPITALS.

This is for patients whose conditions are not serious, but still needs regular medical attention. At the moment there are six community hospitals, another two coming up in Yihsun. An elderly may get an eight-tier subsidy system from 10 to 75 % discount depending on total family income.

NURSING HOMES.

This is for patients who needs long term care and daily nursing needs where family members find difficult to cope. Such as stroke patients, patients on tube feeding, suffering from dementia or bed-bound etc.

At the moment, there are 64 nursing homes in Singapore with 5 new ones coming up over the next 2 years. The Government will increase the nursing home capacity from 9,200 beds to 14,000 beds by 2020.

HOME NURSING.

This is for patients who has caregivers at home. Nurses may visit them to perform tasks such as changing feeding tubes, wound dressings and other medical requirements.

At the moment, there are 17 voluntary welfare organisations and 11 private providers offering such services. VWO charges about $60 per visit whereas private providers may charge as high as $200 per visit.