By Shukry Rashid
NTUC Health opened a new Cluster Support office at Taman Jurong on 24 November 2015, its first dedicated office since the Cluster Support programme was launched in 2012, which aims to enable vulnerable seniors living alone and with low family support to age-in-place at home and within the community.
Through professional case management, Care Managers from NTUC Health will assess the various needs of seniors and connect them with community partners who provide relevant services and resources.
Point Of Contact
The opening event was graced by Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who is also Advisor to Jurong GRC Grassroots Organisations.
The event also marked the third year since NTUC Health was appointed by the Government as Cluster Operator in Jurong West and Bukit Merah. NTUC Health has since assisted almost 700 vulnerable seniors through this programme.
Mr Shanmugaratnam said: “Today we have about 42,000 senior Singaporeans [aged 65 and above] who are living alone. In 15 years’ time, that number will double to about 80,000 … We have to ensure that they have meaningful lives, that they are never lonely, that they know how to get help and we will help them to get help. That is our aim.”
He added that this single point of contact is a good way to coordinate efforts among community partners like the Government, voluntary groups, and healthcare institutions.
Source: NTUC This Week
