It's one initiative the government is taking to tackle the potential challenges that may arise from the deteriorating global economy.
This was revealed by Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports Halimah Yacob in her address on the second day of the debate on the President's Address.
Madam Halimah said: "We will refine our Comcare schemes to help those affected by the downturn. For example, for families that need more time to get back on their feet, we can be flexible in providing a longer period of assistance.
"Second, we will allocate more resources to the CDCs (community Development Councils) which interact directly with and also provide other forms of local assistance to the needy on the ground. Like the last recession, we can provide assistance packages to Singaporeans through the CDCS, to help them tide over the difficult times."
There will also be more funding and support to social service agencies such as family service centres to help them cope with the potential rise in workload and potential drop in charity dollars.
On eldercare, Madam Halimah said more accessible home-care and community-based services are needed, adding that more subsidies for home-based care must be explored.
"The way our healthcare subsidies are structured today encourages families to put their frail elderly in institutions, as they get a higher level of subsidy. Therefore, it is important that we take a close look at this and explore providing more subsidies for home-based care, if we truly want to ensure ageing in place for our elderly."
Madam Halimah also spoke of the need for the government to communicate better with the people as she felt there is a gap between what the government is doing for the people and perceptions on the ground.
She said: "I feel that we need to find a better way to communicate, and be prepared to share more information so that in this way, we could also help people understand issues better, and to debate in a rational, informed and balanced manner. Overall, this would result in a positive outcome of a more mature and engaged relationship between the government and the people."
- CNA /ls
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