COMMUNITY MODEL OF CARE AND SERVICES IN SINGAPORE: A NATION FOR ALL AGES

Abstract

In rapidly ageing Singapore, 1 in 4 Singaporeans will be over 65 by 2030. Efforts are being taken to build an inclusive “Nation for All Ages”, and several initiatives are underway to enable older persons to age-in-place and within the community. For example, Singapore is developing age-friendly “communities of care” through integrated health and social services, home services and home visitations. Continued participation is being facilitated through senior activity centres, community clubs, senior volunteerism, lifelong learning, community kitchens, and multigenerational activities. Age-friendly environments are also fostered, especially in housing, public spaces and transport services. Innovative community-based programmes are being implemented, such as care integration in a “community model of care”, community rehabilitation (for recovery and re-ablement), dementia-friendly communities and the Singapore Programme for Integrated Care for the Elderly (SPICE). Singapore’s “Smart Nation” initiative will also leverage technology to enable older people to age actively and productively.