28 Finalists from 7 Countries to be recognized in Singapore for the best innovations in eldercare business, service and operational models
SINGAPORE, 10 APRIL 2013 -(ASIA TODAY)- Organiser of the 1st Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards, Ageing Asia Pte Ltd announced the Finalists competing for the top four major award categories: Outstanding ‘Eldercare Services’ Innovation, Outstanding ‘Rehabilitation & Wellness’ Innovation, Outstanding ‘ICT’ Innovation and Eldercare Facility of the Year 2013.
The first of its kind in the Asia Pacific region, the awards aims to recognise the best in eldercare and to applaud organisations who have displayed innovative contributions to change the way the region’s Seniors age. Over 80 entries have been received from Australia, China, Hong Kong SAR, India, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore. The Awards also see the launch of the first Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Index that was used as the judging criteria for the entries. The index evaluates the unique value proposition, ease of delivery & implementation and impact on improving quality of life.
28 regional organisations entered to the final stage of the Awards, contending for four Major Awards and 10 Special Recognition Awards. Australia’s not-for-profit home nursing services provider that has been operating for 128 years, the Royal District Nursing Services (RDNS) will be showcasing a video-based medication management service. Patients would be able to receive safe self-medicines management and monitoring whilst remaining in their homes to avoid expensive hospital admissions or attendances at the Emergency Department. This is the first time that RDNS is introducing the product to Asia. Live demonstrations of the technology will be showcased at the 4th Ageing Asia Investment Forum from 16 – 17 April 2013 at the Pan
Pacific Singapore.
Specialising in assisting Japan’s seniors with disabilities and dementia, Happiness-Adachi Public Nursing Home who entered the Outstanding ‘Rehabilitation & Wellness’ Innovation major awards, provides a unique care service - ‘Learning Therapy’, that has proven to aid in prevention of dementia. Developed in Japan, this non-drug therapy stimulates the prefrontal cortex of the brain, and improves its function. Executive Director of Happiness-Adachi, Mr Toshihisa Ogawa will be sharing his experiences in the Ageing Asia Investment Forum Japan Showcase on 17 April.
Besides exciting showcases from overseas, 12 of Singapore’s homegrown organisations will be putting forth their best features, and vie for the coveted Major Awards: St Luke’s Eldercare, The People’s Association, All Saints Home, NTUC Eldercare Co-operative Limited, Econ Healthcare Group and Silverline Mobile Pte Ltd.
Finalists for the awards were evaluated and shortlisted by the 2013 Awards Advisory Board, comprising of:
• Mr David Lane, Chairman, ThomsonAdsett, Australia
• Professor Hiroyuki Murata, President, Murata Associates, Japan
• Mr Nick Abbey, CEO, ExtraCare Charitable Trust, UK
• Ms Mabel Chau, Managing Director, Athena (Greater China) Ltd, Hong Kong SAR
“The awards are a great idea to get people in the care industry talking about what they feel are the best models, to evaluate and to recognise the efforts the industry has put in to make a difference in their approach towards care, and it would be really interesting to see how the innovations that have been submitted can be applied to other countries in Asia Pacific,” shared Ms Mabel Chau.
Mr David Lane who is also the Awards Chairperson added, “The judging of these awards is extraordinarily challenging, but incredibly rewarding. These are tremendously challenging times for all ASEAN countries with a rapidly ageing population occurring at the time of increased economic prosperity and opportunity, and from the submissions clearly there is both a desire and passion form the industry to tackle head-on the challenge of
improving and enhancing the quality of life of their many senior citizens in this part of the world.”
This prestigious industry award ceremony is held in conjunction with the 4th Ageing Asia Investment Forum (AAIF) at the Pan Pacific Hotel, Singapore. AAIF2013 participants and the speakers will be voting for the winners that will start on 10 April 2013 and will end at 5pm on 16 April. Winners will be determined in a 50:50 vote. 30 award trophies will be given out during the awards ceremony on 16 April at 7pm at Pan Pacific Singapore.
The inaugural Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards is one of the many activities of the International Ageing Week organised by Ageing Asia Pte Ltd, held from 15-19 April. Other key activities include, the 4th annual Ageing Asia Investment Forum (AAIF), held from 16-17 April. AAIF2013 will be officiated by Guest of Honour, Acting Minister Chan Chun Sing, Ministry for Social and Family Development and Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Defence, Government of Singapore on 16 April 2013 at 9am.
Major Awards Finalists include:
Outstanding 'Eldercare Services' Innovation
- Econ Healthcare Group, Singapore
- Hong Kong Housing Society, Hong Kong SAR
- ORIX Living Corporation, Japan
- Royal District Nursing Service, Australia
- St Luke's Eldercare Ltd, Singapore
Outstanding 'Rehabilitation & Wellness' Innovation
- Happiness-Adachi Public Nursing Home, Japan
- Hong Kong Housing Society, Hong Kong SAR
- People's Association, Singapore
- St Luke's Eldercare Ltd, Singapore
- The Bethanie Group Inc, Australia
Outstanding 'ICT' Innovation
- All Saints Home, Singapore
- Borderless Healthcare Group, Singapore
- Hong Kong Housing Society, Hong Kong SAR
- Royal District Nursing Service, Australia
- Silverline Mobile Pte Ltd, Singapore
Eldercare Facility of the Year 2013
- Jeta Gardens Group, Australia
- Hong Kong Housing Society, Hong Kong SAR
- Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council, Hong Kong SAR
- NTUC Eldercare Co-operative Limited, Singapore
- St Luke's Eldercare Ltd, Singapore
Special Recognition Awards Finalists include:
Special Recognition ‘Dignified Ageing’ initiative or programme
- Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council, Hong Kong SAR
- Jeta Gardens Group, Australia
- Pinetree Senior Care Services Ltd, China
Special Recognition ‘Fun’ initiative or programme
- Arts Health Institute, Australia
- BlueCross Community and Residential Services, Australia
- Bupa Care Services, Australia
Special Recognition ‘Education’ initiative or programme
- Bupa Care Services, Australia
- Health Promotion Board, Singapore
- The Bethanie Group Inc, Australia
Special Recognition ‘Engagement’ initiative or programme
- Apex Harmony Lodge, Singapore
- Happiness-Adachi Public Nursing Home, Japan
- The Salvation Army Aged Care Plus, Australia
Special Recognition ‘Health & Wellness’ initiative or programme
- Bupa Care Services, Australia
- Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council, Hong Kong SAR
- Wesley Mission Brisbane, Australia
Special Recognition ‘Rehabilitation’ initiative or programme
- Brightwater Care Group, Australia
- Bupa Care Services, Australia
- Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council, Hong Kong SAR
Special Recognition ‘Use of ‘Technology’
- Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
- Sofshell Pte Ltd, Singapore
- The Salvation Army Aged Care Plus, Australia
Special Recognition ‘Facility’ – Assisted Living
- Econ Healthcare Group, Singapore
- Jeta Care Group, Malaysia
- The Salvation Army Aged Care Plus, Australia
Special Recognition ‘Facility’ – Independent Living
- Ashiana Housing Ltd, India
- Oasis Seniors Living, India
- ORIX Living Corporation, Japan
Special Recognition ‘Facility’ – Day Care
- Happiness-Adachi Public Nursing Home, Japan
- NTUC Eldercare Co-operative Ltd, Singapore
- St Luke’s Eldercare Ltd, Singapore
Please refer to the appendix for information on the major awards finalists’ submissions. For information on the
special recognition awards finalists’ submission, please contact Joanne Tan at (65) 6441 0474.
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About the International Ageing Week organised by Ageing Asia Pte Ltd
Attracting 40 International Speakers, 22 Global Eldercare Operators, Entrepreneurs & Investors from over 12 countries, the International Ageing Week taking place in Singapore from 15-19 April, Pan Pacific Hotel will welcome 300 delegates participating in:
• 4th Ageing Asia Investment Forum (16-17 April)
• Launch of 1st Ageing Asia Gov & NGO Symposium (15 April)
• 1st APAC Eldercare Innovation Awards Ceremony & Dinner (16 April)
• Specialist workshops on Advanced Elder Care in Japan & on Housing Innovation (18 April)
• Health and Eldercare Facility Site Visits to Singapore and Malaysia (15 & 19 April respectively)
• Launch of 2nd APAC Silver Economy Business Opportunities Report (Bi-Annual)
About Ageing Asia Pte Ltd
The 4th Ageing Asia Investment Forum (AAIF) 2013 is produced and managed by Ageing Asia Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Xperiential Events Pte Ltd. Xperiential Events creates iconic, business-to-business events that focus on transforming social challenges into business opportunities to enable businesses in Asia.
Ageing Asia Pte Ltd is an Ageing Market Consultancy that specialises in facilitating collaborations and strategic partnerships between CEO-level business, government and community leaders to access Asia’s US$1.9 trillion silver industry through a combination of in-depth industry research and networking with key decision makers in the business of ageing. Its flagship event, the Ageing Asia Investment Forum, is an annual showcase of the regions’ top business opportunities to tap on the ageing market. In 2012, the company launched the Ageing Asia Alliance – Asia’s first industry network on the business of ageing. Today, the Alliance connects over 950 members to business opportunities in Asia’s silver economy. The mission of the Ageing Asia Investment Forum series is to increase private sector investments in products and services to enhance the quality of life, health and functional capability of seniors in Asia.
Singaporean entrepreneur Janice Chia founded Ageing Asia Pte Ltd with the mission to improve the way future generations of elderly age in Asia, by engaging the business community to create better products and services that will enable healthy, independent ageing and dignified ageing. Influenced by the changing needs of her elderly relatives as they grew older and the higher expectations in quality of life of the baby boomer generation, she firmly believes that the social challenges of ageing can be transformed into an economic opportunity for Asia.
For more information, please visit: www.ageingasiainvest.com.
For media enquiries and registration, please contact:
Joanne Tan
Marketing Manager
Ageing Asia Pte Ltd
T: (65) 6441 0474
M: (65) 9386 3652
E: joannetan@ageingasiainvest.com
Appendix
1st ASIA PACIFIC ELDERCARE INNOVATION AWARDS FINALISTS
MAJOR AWARDS FINALISTS
OUTSTANDING ‘ICT’ INNOVATION
All Saints Home, Singapore
All Saints Home was founded by All Saints Memorial Chapel in 1986 to provide residential nursing care in a Christian environment for the elderly sick of all races and religions in the community. The Home seeks to share the love of God. Our operating precepts are Love, Sincerity and Purity. All Saints Home began modestly in 1986 with a 30-bed home at 5 Poh Huat Road. Today it offers 323 beds, at two locations: 11 Tampines Street 44 and 5 Poh Huat Road. The Tampines Home was built with 90% Government subsidy and opened in 2001. It has 180 beds and a Day Rehabilitation Centre. The Hougang Home was rebuilt in 2004 and re-opened in September 04. It has 144 beds. The rebuilding cost $7.5 million. This was funded entirely by All Saints Memorial Chapel. From 1 January 2010, Hougang Homes is a partial subsidized Home. All Saints Home is registered as a Voluntary Welfare Organisation and licensed by the Ministry of Health. We are a Member of the National Council of Social Service and a registered charity.
The increased size of the operations clearly indicated a requirement for more advanced systems and jointly with a well-established local technology partner, LANWorks Pte Ltd, a fully functional system was built to meet their needs. HOPES, a fully integrated, web based solution, was implemented in 2010 with the concept of capturing and managing patients’ clinical and personal data for improved point-of-care delivery. With real time updates and notifications and improved accessibility to information, the time and effort previously spent on retrieving data and information can be channelled to caring for the seniors.
BH Institute Pte Ltd, Singapore
BH Institute is a Singapore company and a subsidiary of the Borderless Healthcare Group. It is a market leader in the medical call center industry and a pioneer of the medical butler system. It operates medical concierge services for home health, medical tourism, and caregiver training and support. BH Institute is the only approved digital course provider by the Caregivers Training Grant (CTG) and Foreign Domestic Worker Grant (FDWG), both under the Centre for Enabled Living (CEL).
Accessibility is a very important factor in the delivery of healthcare information and services. Asia gives mhealth providers a good leverage in providing a range of mobile health products and services to a large market of IT-savvy consumers. Mobile health is a very important and effective tool in increasing health awareness, promoting preventive health and providing personalized healthcare among patients, even in the elderly population. With mobile health, healthcare services and information are literally just a click away.
The concept of the Medically Informed Minder (MIM) program is to offer a holistic and bio-psycho-socio approach to elderly care, with the caregivers of the aged being the targeted audience. The program, which also comes in the form of an interactive mobile learning app, is the first online and mobile platform related to silvercare under the Caregiver's Training Grant (CTG). Users will have access to various modules, developed by renowned healthcare professionals in the region, which cover topics such as common chronic diseases, hygiene and grooming and others. Interactive health videos and factsheets, designed with easy-to-understand language and animation, can be accessed at any time or place via online or mobile smartphones. In addition, MIM is also supported by a backend system consisting of medical call center support and a suite of technological systems, which connect users with health professionals directly. This helps to improve the quality and availability of healthcare information and services, thus reducing risks and accidents.
Hong Kong Housing Society, Hong Kong SAR
The Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS) is an independent and not-for-profit housing organisation established in 1948 and incorporated by ordinance in 1951. Providing complementary housing through a number of its own innovative schemes and as a partner of the government, the Housing Society strives to meet the different housing needs of society. It has been a dedicated innovative housing provider in constantly identifying the housing needs of different sectors of the community. Since its inception, over 67,000 units have been built under different housing schemes, including Senior Citizen Residences Scheme and Multi-purpose premises developed for elderly residential care home and other community services. The Elderly Resources Centre, the first of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region, was launched by Hong Kong Housing Society in 2005 with the concept of advocating Ageing-in-place (AIP) in the community. By providing educational exhibitions and consultation services, the centre, led by experienced occupational therapists and social workers, aims to educate and encourage the people in Hong Kong of AIP. The Adaptive Housing Zone, one of the three zones in the Centre’s exhibition area, has a pioneer show room ‘I-Home’, which showcases the applications of the latest healthcare and home safety technology to a smart home design for the elderly. Their websites are user-friendly for the elderly to search and access to the articles and the community
research database. Through this, over 850,000 people have received their message.
Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Australia
RDNS is unique. While it is Australia’s oldest home nursing and healthcare organisation (RDNS celebrates its 128th ‘birthday’ this year), it is arguably the country’s most innovative and progressive with services across the continent and in New Zealand, a world-class health call centre, a collaborative research institute and a suite of tailored education and consultancy services. RDNS has a rich history and demonstrable successes that have come through building on its abundant healthcare experiences accumulated since 1885 when one nurse set out to help Melbourne’s frail and poor, marking the beginning of the organisation. The vast experience of yesterday has given RDNS an invaluable blueprint for the world of tomorrow. Today, RDNS has a keen eye on the future with dedicated teams of people working with current and emerging technologies to meet the challenges of ageing populations, chronic disease and pressure on health and accommodation services.
This year RDNS will make nearly two million visits to 45,000 clients at home or in other places of their choosing. Staff will travel 10 million kilometres, equivalent to 13 round trips to the moon. But telehealth is opening new doors in the future of healthcare delivery. At RDNS’s world-class call centre in Melbourne, a nurse is now able to make a ‘virtual visit’ to a client at home many kilometres away using broadband technology. In effect, RDNS provides video-based medication management services in real time using high speed internet connections...or, if you like, a nurse in a
nanosecond.
This RDNS project, called Healthy, Happy and at Home, is being pioneered with the help of the Victorian Government (DBI). The aim? To help clients remain in their homes for longer and avoid hospital stays. For RDNS, this means embracing the world of tomorrow - while always remaining by the side of each and every client.
Silverline Mobile Pte Ltd, Singapore
Project Silverline was borne with the concept of repurposing smartphones and using technology to improve the lives of underserved seniors. This project is a collaboration between Singapore Telecommunications Limited (Singtel), Silverline Mobile Pte Ltd, a smartphone applications and service company and Ogilvy & Mather (S) Pte Ltd, an initiative to facilitate active ageing – and thereby reducing social isolation and supporting independent living. 5 apps were designed to address the needs of seniors with the objectives to facilitate daily activities, provide fun mental stimulation for lifelong learning, etc. With the ‘less is more’ philosophy, Silverline apps are intuitive and seniorfriendly. Project Silverline also involves the community and raises awareness by encouraging iPhone users to donate their existing smartphones, which are then reformatted and installed with the apps before passed on to seniors in homes. This has improved the quality of life and happiness and has helped seniors to overcome their fear of new
technology.
OUTSTANDING ‘ELDERCARE SERVICES’ INNOVATION
ECON Healthcare Group, Singapore
At ECON, we believe in quality care for a quality life, and to add years to life and life to years for the seniors under our care. Care is not an event, but a process, and we constantly look at what will create the highest quality of life possible for senior citizens. Our service model is built on a senior’s care continuum, and provides for the health and medical support, social and psychological needs of an elderly, as well as support for the caregivers. Integrated with eastern and western philosophies in the care and management, we provide the elderly with holistic eldercare services and solutions. We see ourselves fulfilling the role of an enabler, facilitating the seniors in living out their golden years, celebrating life.
A one-stop integrated care solutions provider, our comprehensive range of services includes nursing home, senior activity centres, health and wellness centres, TCM and Physiotherapy services, ambulance, preventive health (health screening) and hospital services. An advocate of Ageing-in-place, we also provide home nursing, physiotherapy and TCM services.
In addition to our ISO clinical care standards, we have programmes that facilitate ‘Ageing well, Living well’, ‘Life-long learning’, ‘healthy living’, ‘social integration and family bonding’, senior assistance services to facilitate ‘Ageing-in-Place’. For the past year, more than 100 seniors have benefitted from our care programme, and returned home after a period of recuperation in our nursing homes. In our senior activity centres (ECON Health & Wellness centres), there are more than 400 seniors who have joined the ECON family as members.
Hong Kong Housing Society, Hong Kong SAR
The Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS) is an independent and not-for-profit housing organisation established in 1948 and incorporated by ordinance in 1951. Providing complementary housing through a number of its own innovative schemes and as a partner of the government, the Housing Society strives to meet the different housing needs of society. In light of the ageing population in Hong Kong, the Housing Society conducted researches on the
housing needs of the elderly and embarked on the Senior Citizen Residences Scheme (SEN) since 1999. The Scheme provided innovative housing for the middle-class elderly, two pilot projects of the Scheme, Jolly Place and Cheerful Court, were completed in 2003 and 2004 respectively. Riding on the SEN experience and taking examples from overseas, the Housing Society launched the “Joyous Living” in 2012, to offer the an alternative of quality
retirement living for the more affluent elderly. Two projects in Tanner Hill and Wetland Park Road will be completed in 2014 and 2018 respectively."
Various programmes were launched with the concept of promoting Ageing-in-place (AIP) amongst the elderly. One such programme would be the Care-free Housing Programme where regular home visits by skilled volunteers and training classes are conducted to create safe and healthy environment for elderly tenants. Another programme would be the Wellness Programme where tours were organised for the elderly to increase awareness of their body and psychosocial function and to encourage them develop individualised strategy and build up habit to overcome deterioration. Educational seminars and workshops regarding the concept of AIP and the needs of the elderly were also held to help the younger generation understand more.
ORIX Living Corporation, Japan
The ORIX Living Corporation manages "Good Time Living", a chain of fee-based homes for the elderly with integrated living, care, and medical services, and also "Platesia", its residential rental properties for elderly with active lives. It has a total of 1700 residents and clients. The profile of clients covers a wide range, with an average at 83 years old - the youngest and oldest at 58 and 100 years old respectively. Its key focus is to provide new lifestyle services to elderly with wants that they have never had; A new care-giving model, supporting the bodies, minds, and families of the residents, whom are given guest-like treatments; Provides the guests with a comfortable distance from the family they love, and respect for both familial ties and individuality; Allows guests to live vibrantly in their "final home" with peace of mind as they face life's end.
Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Australia
RDNS is unique. While it is Australia’s oldest home nursing and healthcare organisation (RDNS celebrates its 128th ‘birthday’ this year), it is arguably the country’s most innovative and progressive with services across the continent and in New Zealand, a world-class health call centre, a collaborative research institute and a suite of tailored education and consultancy services. RDNS has a rich history and demonstrable successes that have come through building on its abundant healthcare experiences accumulated since 1885 when one nurse set out to help Melbourne’s frail and poor, marking the beginning of the organisation. The vast experience of yesterday has given RDNS an invaluable blueprint for the world of tomorrow. Today, RDNS has a keen eye on the future with dedicated teams of people working with current and emerging technologies to meet the challenges of ageing populations, chronic disease and pressure on health and accommodation services.
The global prevalence of leg ulcers is estimated to be as high as 1%. The RDNS Leg Ulcer Prevention Program (LUPP) is a client education package that uses e-learning, hard copy materials and activities to deliver best practice recommendations for venous ulcer treatment. The program also provides general health and lifestyle advice integral to chronic disease management and promotes client ‘ownership’ of wound and chronic disease. Furthermore it encourages clients to participate in self-care activities and helps them to heal their wounds, prevent ulcer recurrence and to manage chronic disease risk factors to promote better health and wellbeing.
St. Luke’s Eldercare Ltd, Singapore
St Luke’s ElderCare Ltd (SLEC), a Christian eldercare organization set up as an extension project by St Luke’s Hospital, was founded in 1999 with a mission to extend our rehabilitation expertise beyond the hospital walls to provide continuous, seamless integrated care for the elderly living in the community. With 12 centres located in various housing estates across Singapore, St Luke’s ElderCare provides a holistic range of integrated eldercare services - social day care, dementia care, basic nursing care, health maintenance rehabilitation, active day rehabilitation and wellness programme/gym for senior citizens.
The activities at the centres are specially designed to benefit those senior citizens who have suffered physical disability as a result of stroke or accidents and those frail senior citizens who have no one at home to look after them during working hours. Apart from maintenance rehabilitation and social day care services, the centres also provide counselling, information and referral services, health education, therapy and recreational activities for all our elderly. Other services include meals, transport and Senior Wellness programmes for the community. Currently, there are 1,500 elderly in our 12 day care and day rehab centres, with additional 3,000 elderly participating in the Senior Wellness programme.
The unique concept at St Luke’s ElderCare is to provide integrated care in a safe environment that enables dementia and non-dementia elderly to co-exist in the same environment. By incorporating dementia care in the day care services and promoting social interaction amongst the elderly, we have seen tremendous progress of these elderly after they have adapted to the activities at the centres.
OUTSTANDING ‘REHABILITATION & WELLNESS’ INNOVATION
Happiness-Adachi Public Nursing Home, Japan
Founded in 1995, Happiness-Adachi, Japan, is a "Family" social welfare corporation. It has seven nursing homes and eight elderly day care services, including two group homes for dementia under its care in Aomori, Tokyo and Kanagawa, Osaka, Hyogo Prefecture. Its residents are mainly individuals who have physical disabilities or have dementia. Covering a wide spectrum of specialised care services, Happiness-Adachi currently accommodates 150 residents with an average age of 86 years old - the youngest and oldest at 60 years and 102 years old respectively. The mission at Happiness-Adachi is to provide services to assist seniors with disabilities or dementia. The range of care services includes life support services, learning therapy, dysphagia rehabilitation, terminal care and leisure activities.
‘Learning therapy’, through the concept of stimulating the prefrontal cortex of the brain, was developed in Japan and have been proven to aid in the prevention of dementia. By using a direct approach to improve the function of the brain, this non-drug therapy helps to eliminate the fear of old age as well as encouraging participation in society. The other unique care service offered is ‘dysphagia rehabilitation’, where rehabilitation is based on evaluation of the ability to swallow is determined by the nursing staff’s judgement. With the aid of endoscopic camera, nursing staff will be able to observe the processing of the food in the mouth of an elderly. As the ability to swallow food wanes with age, this rehabilitation helps to improve the diet and can also prevent the development of aspiration pneumonia.
Hong Kong Housing Society, Hong Kong SAR
The Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS) is an independent and not-for-profit housing organisation established in 1948 and incorporated by ordinance in 1951. Providing complementary housing through a number of its own innovative schemes and as a partner of the government, the Housing Society strives to meet the different housing needs of society. In light of the ageing population in Hong Kong, the Housing Society conducted researches on the housing needs of the elderly and embarked on the Senior Citizen Residences Scheme (SEN) since 1999. The Scheme provided innovative housing for the middle-class elderly, two pilot projects of the Scheme, Jolly Place and Cheerful Court, were completed in 2003 and 2004 respectively. Riding on the SEN experience and taking examples from overseas, the Housing Society launched the “Joyous Living” in 2012, to offer the an alternative of quality retirement living for the more affluent elderly. Two projects in Tanner Hill and Wetland Park Road will be completed in 2014 and 2018 respectively."
Various programmes were launched with the concept of promoting Ageing-in-place (AIP) amongst the elderly. One such programme would be the Care-free Housing Programme where regular home visits by skilled volunteers and training classes are conducted to create safe and healthy environment for elderly tenants. Another programme would be the Wellness Programme where tours were organised for the elderly to increase awareness of their body and psychosocial function and to encourage them develop individualised strategy and build up habit to overcome deterioration. Educational seminars and workshops regarding the concept of AIP and the needs of the elderly were also held to help the younger generation understand more.
St. Luke’s Eldercare Ltd, Singapore
St Luke’s ElderCare Ltd (SLEC), a Christian eldercare organization set up as an extension project by St Luke’s Hospital, was founded in 1999 with a mission to extend our rehabilitation expertise beyond the hospital walls to provide continuous, seamless integrated care for the elderly living in the community. With 12 centres located in various housing estates across Singapore, St Luke’s ElderCare provides a holistic range of integrated eldercare services - social day care, dementia care, basic nursing care, health maintenance rehabilitation, active day rehabilitation and wellness programme/gym for senior citizens.
The activities at the centres are specially designed to benefit those senior citizens who have suffered physical disability as a result of stroke or accidents and those frail senior citizens who have no one at home to look after them during working hours. Apart from maintenance rehabilitation and social day care services, the centres also provide counselling, information and referral services, health education, therapy and recreational activities for all our elderly. Other services include meals, transport and Senior Wellness programmes for the community. Currently, there are 1,500 elderly in our 12 day care and day rehab centres, with additional 3,000 elderly participating in the Senior Wellness programme.
The unique concept at St Luke’s ElderCare is to provide integrated care in a safe environment that enables dementia and non-dementia elderly to co-exist in the same environment. By incorporating dementia care in the day care services and promoting social interaction amongst the elderly, we have seen tremendous progress of these elderly after they have adapted to the activities at the centres.
The Bethanie Group Inc., Australia
"Bethanie was founded as Churches of Christ Homes, with the first property opening at Joondanna, Western Australia in 1954. Today Bethanie offers a variety of aged care services including retirement villages, affordable housing, Adult Day Centres, Community (At Home) Care, Wellness Centres and Residential Aged Care services comprising Hostels and Nursing Homes. As a not for profit aged care provider based in Western Australia, Bethanie is widely respected for its expertise in developing and managing accommodation facilities designed to cater for the aged and disabled.
As majority of the people with dementia show a health-damaging degree of weight loss, a colour strategy of using red tableware is implemented. The concept is to use this simple, non-invasive way to address the issue of weight-loss. This colour strategy has proven to be beneficial to improve the health of dementia clients as well as the quality of life and happiness for most cases.
People's Association, Singapore
The People's Association, through activities and programmes organised by the Community Clubs and Grassroots Organisations (GROs), offers opportunities for residents to stay active, make new friends, share common interests and help foster a strong cohesive community. The National Wellness Programme was launched nationwide in 2010 with the concept of empowering seniors to lead high quality of life for as long as possible. The PA is leading this Programme, with the support of the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Promotion Board (HPB). Now, the National Wellness Programme is available in all 87 constituencies island-wide.
Under the National Wellness Programme, seniors are encouraged to go for regular health screening to know their health condition, with follow-up to encourage them to seek medical advice if found to have ‘at-risk’ health results. Seniors, especially those who are sedentary, are encouraged to participate in regular physical activities and be involved in social interest groups that can act as an informal roll call. When seniors are connected to the community and know more friends, it widens their social network and deepens trust amongst them. The Programme also helps to foster a sense of belonging and moral obligation to neighbours and friends to keep on participating in the group activities. While the family will always remain the fundamental pillar of care and support, help and support from neighbours are critical, especially with many seniors now living on their own.
ELDERCARE FACILITY OF THE YEAR 2013
Hong Kong Housing Society, Hong Kong SAR
Senior Citizen Residence Scheme (SEN) is one of the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS)’s housing initiatives to serve the elderly community. In 1996, a survey conducted by HKHS showed that there is strong demand for purposely-built housing for middle-income elderly group who have the means to live an independent life. In response to social needs, HKHS embarked on the SEN Scheme in the late 90s to provide middle-income elderly with residence integrating housing, recreation, medical and care services under one roof. Under the SEN Scheme, two pilot projects, Jolly Place and Cheerful Court, were completed in 2003 and 2004 respectively, providing a total of 576 residential units for the elderly.
The concept of SEN is to create a safe, secure, convenient and comfortable living environment for the elderly, by providing comprehensive ‘one-stop’ care and medical supporting services besides residential units featuring the universal design that incorporates special age-friendly fixtures, fittings and care facilities. SEN is the first of its kind in Hong Kong to adopt the concept of ‘lease of life’ whereby residential units are leased to qualified tenants on the basis that tenancy is not transferable and tenants do not own the land title, allowing flats to be recycled upon the passing away of the tenant. By providing an integration of accommodation and recreational, medical and care services under one roof, elderly residents enjoy Ageing-in-place and enhance quality of life.
Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council, Hong Kong SAR
Established in 1966, the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council adopts the service mission of "Individual Caring Overall Concern". The Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Cyril and Amy Cheung Aged Care Complex (the Complex) was built and commenced service since 2009. The Complex aims to provide quality and holistic care for the maintenance and enhancement of wellness of the seniors through a comprehensive package of service and home-like environment. The Complex not only provides residential beds for long stay, short stay, respite care and end-of-lifecare, but also provides day care and community care to meet the different needs of the seniors.
Through our aged friendly Complex, affordable and high quality services are provided to seniors, and the waitlist of subsidized residential care services for other elderly is also shorten. The Complex emphasizes multi-disciplinary collaboration to strive for the best medical, nursing, rehabilitation and social management for the residents. The aged friendly design also enhances elders’ autonomy. The architectural design of the Complex respects the individuality, privacy and choice of all residents. Provision of balcony and two gardens offering touch of nature and a panoramic view of the neighborhood community. Special floor with orientation cues are available for the elderly with dementia. A room named “Mind of Peaceful” is also set up with books and music for the family members and staffs to relieve their caring stress and working pressure. Since the launch in 2009, TV and newspapers are widely introduced the services and design of the Complex. It has proven that the Complex demonstrates a high quality residential care service model for the industry.
Jeta Gardens Group, Australia
Jeta Gardens is the first retirement and aged care community in Australia that applies eastern values and philosophies to design, services and management. Through the ageing in place concept we provide our valued senior community with a fulfilling lifestyle in a resort style atmosphere recognising their physical and psychological wellbeing. We term our concept the “4H” model of lifestyle and care.
With the concept of Ageing-in-place and harmony in diversity, the retirement resort, along with the Residential Aged Care Facility, has staff trained with the knowledge and skills to look after the cultural and religious needs of our residents. There is also a dementia specific wing providing contemporary amenity and care regimes for managing this condition. This development is probably unique worldwide as it recognises lifestyle and holistic care needs of the elderly in a culturally diverse and interactive community setting by applying an economic, lifestyle and environmental
sustainable model through total community involvement.
NTUC Eldercare Co-operative Ltd, Singapore
NTUC Eldercare Co-operative Limited was set up in 1997 in Singapore to provide quality and affordable eldercare services for seniors in the community. The initial goal was to provide ways and means for seniors and their working families to get the help they needed, whether it was to relieve the seniors’ children and give them peace of mind during their work hours, or building a community setting for the seniors to prevent isolation and prolong their mental and physical well-being.
Since those early days which consisted of only a couple of day care centres, NTUC Eldercare has taken on a much wider mantel of services and responsibilities which allow elderly from all backgrounds to lead happy, meaningful and dignified lives. The 8 senior day care centres under the brand Silver Circle, are now also complemented by an island10 wide home care service for frail elderly known as Care@home. The sheltered group home is named Henderson Senior Citizen’s Home. The organisation also works closely with the Singapore government to offer low-income elderly free usage of senior activity centres called Silver ACE.
Henderson Senior Citizen’s Home is the currently the only NTUC Eldercare facility to incorporate the combination of a sheltered group home, a day care centre, and a senior activity centre. In addition to providing disadvantaged elderly with proper residential care in rental flats, it also provides a range of intermediate and long-term care services. The Home runs a day care programme for seniors living nearby with full exercise, activity and care schedules. The senior activity centre bay allows other seniors in the neighbourhood to drop-in and take part in activities, outings and events arranged by the centre and partner organisations. All the elderly in Henderson Senior Citizen’s Home are also encouraged to mingle with one another so as to encourage community building.
St. Luke’s Eldercare Ltd, Singapore
St Luke’s ElderCare Ltd (SLEC), a Christian eldercare organization set up as an extension project by St Luke’s Hospital, was founded in 1999 with a mission to extend our rehabilitation expertise beyond the hospital walls to provide continuous, seamless integrated care for the elderly living in the community. With 12 centres located in various housing estates across Singapore, St Luke’s ElderCare provides a holistic range of integrated eldercare services - social day care, dementia care, basic nursing care, health maintenance rehabilitation, active day rehabilitation and wellness programme/gym for senior citizens.
The activities at the centres are specially designed to benefit those senior citizens who have suffered physical disability as a result of stroke or accidents and those frail senior citizens who have no one at home to look after them during working hours. Apart from maintenance rehabilitation and social day care services, the centres also provide counselling, information and referral services, health education, therapy and recreational activities for all our elderly. Other services include meals, transport and Senior Wellness programmes for the community. Currently, there are 1,500 elderly in our 12 day care and day rehab centres, with additional 3,000 elderly participating in the Senior Wellness programme.
The unique concept at St Luke’s ElderCare is to provide integrated care in a safe environment that enables dementia and non-dementia elderly to co-exist in the same environment. By incorporating dementia care in the day care services and promoting social interaction amongst the elderly, we have seen tremendous progress of these elderly after they have adapted to the activities at the centres.