Group 4 Members: Ronald Tan (15) Ryton Teo (16) See Chung Yi (17) Ethan Sim (18) Teo Shu Xiang (19) Group 41T

Contents Introduction Objectives Research Methodology and Findings Discussion and Analysis Conclusion and Acknowledgements

Introduction According to statistics from the Ministry of Health, 600,000 people will be aged 65 and above by Singapore urgently needs to find ways to tackle the needs of our senior citizen population.

Introduction What can we do?

Introduction Our Solution: Integrated Eldercare Hubs!

Introduction The Integrated Eldercare Hubs: o What are they? o What do they do? Most Importantly… What do we aim to achieve?

Objectives

The purpose of the Integrated Eldercare Hubs is to offer a solution to the needs of our growing senior citizen population. Provide affordable and accessible ‘one-stop’ hubs with various amenities and services. A coordinated and holistic approach to taking care of the elderly.

Objectives What our project aims to uncover… o What do Singaporeans think about the Integrated Eldercare Hubs? o How will the elderly or their caregivers benefit? o What amenities should be put in place? o Where should these Hubs be located?

Research Methodology & Findings

How did we find our data? o Surveys o Interview with an experienced healthcare professional o Online Research

Research Methodology Surveys o 20 surveys administered randomly o Respondents ranged from 12 to 73 years old. o 30% aged 10 to % aged 40 and above o What we asked them:  Demographics  Opinions on Integrated Eldercare Hubs  Which amenities and services are most important  Where the Hubs should be located

Question 1: Bar graph showing the number of people who answered ‘A’ or ‘B’, with ‘A’ approving of the eldercare hubs and ‘B’ disapproving the eldercare hubs.

Research Methodology Interview With Dr. S. K. Cheong, a doctor with Tan Tock Seng Hospital (on secondment to Ren Ci Community Hospital) Dr Cheong has extensive experience in providing medical care for the elderly Interview helped us to understand the limitations and gaps in our research project Interview allowed us to define the scope of the research project more clearly and refine our proposals

Research Findings Main findings from survey: All respondents agreed Hubs were a good idea to cater to the needs of the elderly and provide amenities. Their main priorities were to provide for housing, healthcare and social and recreational needs. Respondents felt the Hubs would help them in caring for the elderly. Hubs should be located all throughout Singapore within residential areas

Research Findings Main findings from interview: Hubs meaning ‘one-stop’ or coordinated and accessible amenities and services would be welcome by Singaporeans Distinguish between needs of ‘well’ and ‘unwell’ elderly Amenities and services must be affordable and accessible not only to the elderly but to their caregivers Benefit of having central coordination

Discussion and Analysis

Discussion & Analysis With feedback from the surveys and interview, we verified our idea that it would be beneficial to develop the Integrated Eldercare Hubs in Singapore. All respondents were in favour of the idea The Hubs would offer a ‘one-stop’ location for services and amenities The main benefit is to create a coordinated and integrated approach towards eldercare

Discussion & Analysis From the surveys, respondents did not place a lot of emphasis on housing needs. On the other hand, many felt the Hubs should be situated near HDB flats, with good transport services. This shows the importance of ensuring accessibility to the Hubs. Rather than having just one or two locations, there will be regional Hubs located throughout Singapore to serve the residents in each area.

Discussion & Analysis A coordinated and holistic approach must consider the needs of the caregivers as well There should be differentiation to cater for the needs for different categories of the elderly e.g. the mobile and active and the bedridden or disabled Although cost was not raised in our surveys, Dr. Cheong emphasised the importance of affordability as well as accessibility.

Discussion & Analysis Limitations of our survey include having only 1 respondent in the 70 to 79 age group and none in the 60 to 69 age group. Nevertheless we had a good sample size of respondents who live with the elderly (55%) or who may have grandparents or elderly parents to take care of (85%) Dr Cheong’s views helped us greatly to understand the needs and concerns of the elderly and their care network

Discussion & Analysis Recent ‘NIMBY’ debate over Toh Yi drive flats shows public education is needed to change mindsets We cannot take a self-centred approach Government can be more proactive in coordinating and providing eldercare services but family and community must also do their part Signs of government support. E.g. in setting up general hospitals in Yishun (KTPGH) and Jurong (NTFGH) – a foundation to build up the Hubs?

Conclusion

President Tony Tan mentioned in his inaugural speech that senior citizens ‘deserve our full support’ Government ‘will help you to remain active and healthy, keep healthcare affordable and ease the burden on your families who are caring for you’ Research survey and interview findings support our hypothesis Integrated Eldercare Hubs can be a solution to the challenging problem of a rapidly-ageing society

Conclusion Emphasise accessibility, convenience and affordability. Research shows there is support for the idea and government support can be obtained Need to plan for resources and infrastructure Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong said ‘we need to ramp up now …’ if we want to be able to meet the challenge of providing for the needs of 600,000 senior citizens by 2020.

Acknowledgements Teacher-mentor Dr Raphael Family, friends and teachers Survey respondents Interviewee – Dr. S.K. Cheong (TTSH)

Thank you! Any Questions?