Geriatrics, Gerontology & Elderly Care

The healthcare for the elderly has indeed arrived at the right moment, at a time when the elderly population in the world is increasing and needs better attention. The increase in life expectancy is glaring across the globe and Singapore is no exception. The government has been building many nursing homes to accommodate to the increase needs of our elderly. However, our biggest challenge is getting the right attitude and competent staff to provide this delicate care for our elderly. The reality of caregiving is, it is stressful, and be it at home or nursing home or skilled nursing facilities. Unfortunately, not everyone is suited to this role. It really takes a special commitment to any

caregiver to provide care to the elderly with passion. Even more so when our caregivers are foreigners and many of them came over for just a job. Let's face it, caring for the elderly is a very labor intensive job, and is emotionally trying

to say the least. Even more trying is the added responsibility when the elderly has behavior issues or getting sicker. On the other side of the coin, I passionately believe that ageing means changing- a potentially rich progression

through life. We can’t avoid the process of growing older, but we can avoid atrophy of the spirit. Caring for the elderly is like taking care of our young children, they are most precious and vulnerable. Hence, it reflects poorly on

caregivers when they are mistreated when they are admitted to our facilities as our duty is to look after and cherish them.