NTUC Eldercare to introduce training course for family members by 2010

SINGAPORE: With Singapore’s population ageing rapidly, step—down care for the relatively less mobile elderly who require help due to their health or medical conditions, but are not hospitalised, will increase.

Hence, NTUC Eldercare is providing training to help prepare its staff to deal with this trend.

The first batch of 29 staff graduated from the Workforce Skills Qualification’s "Certificate in Community Home Care Giving Skills" on Saturday.

Forty—nine staff were trained under a course developed by NTUC Eldercare Co—operative Ltd and TSAO Foundation.

Besides giving out the certificates at the graduation ceremony, Minister in—charge of ageing issues Lim Boon Heng also announced a new training initiative.

"Care@home", also known as "Together we care", will train family members and domestic helpers.

This is aimed at allowing step—down care to be administered at all times — even at home.

The course fee is in the range of S$250 to S$300.

Because caregivers need support, Mr Lim said the three—day "Together we care" course will also include a support system such as monthly structured networking, training workshops and self care tips.

"There will be a holistic range of support designed to provide them with cognitive knowledge, practical skills, and emotional care," said Mr Lim. "Relevant products and services will also be made accessible to the trainees in the near future."

— CNA/yb