Singapore - More support for community-based services for the elderly

SINGAPORE: The government is providing more resources and support to community-based services for the elderly, particularly those from the lower income.

This will mean an additional S$5 million next year for the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS).

It includes extending subsidies for day care centres and home help services beyond the current 30th income percentile to the 50th income percentile.

This took effect from last Saturday (October 1) to extend the reach and affordability of these services immediately.

With the change, families with per capita income of S$951 - S$1400 can receive 25 per cent subsidy.

They were previously not eligible.

Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, Mr Chan Chun Sing, announced these measures during a visit to a home for the aged, which also houses a seniors activity centre and a day care centre.

The ministry will also increase government funding for senior activity centres from 50 per cent to 60 per cent, starting January next year.

This is to help service providers enhance the range and quality of programmes they currently offer.

Additional performance-based funding support will be introduced in the later part of 2012.

The ministry is also reviewing funding norms to take into account year-on-year cost increases.

The revised norms will take effect from April next year.

- CNA/cc


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