[ad_1]
SINGAPORE – More activities focused on older people will resume from Wednesday (September 9) for the psychosocial well-being of older people, as infection rates in the community as a whole have remained low and stable.
However, older people still need to remain vigilant, conscientiously practice good hand hygiene and safe distancing, and maintain a small regular circle of contacts when they go out, the multi-ministry task force announced at a virtual press conference Wednesday. .
Small group activities of up to five people can be resumed for senior-centered programs organized by the People’s Association, the Health Promotion Board, Sport Singapore and the Council for the Aging.
These activities will also be allowed to resume in senior care facilities, such as nursing homes and senior care centers, the task force announced.
Some examples of these group activities include board games, classroom activities, and group exercise classes.
However, singing lessons will not be allowed yet as it is understood to be a high-risk activity, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said.
Previously, activities in such settings were limited only to those that can be performed individually to minimize interactions.
However, since group activities play an integral role in addressing the psychosocial needs of older people, the restrictions will be eased starting Wednesday to allow more older people to benefit from these programs.
Safe distancing measures must be maintained.
Health Ministry Director of Medical Services Kenneth Mak said: “We were more cautious around the elderly because older people are more vulnerable … We will continue to watch this closely and as time progresses, we will evaluate whether it is possible for us progressively … to do more activities. “
Additionally, the task force announced proactive outreach by Silver Generation Ambassadors, senior activity centers, community resources, advocacy and engagement teams, and diabetes outreach activities will resume from Wednesday, with safe distancing measures.
Outreach programs will proactively engage older people with care needs and provide assistance in a timely manner, as not all older people may know where to seek help and may have deferred access to community care services.
Associate Professor Mak also added that the task force is also testing the use of sewage testing in some nursing homes to uncover any signs of cryptic infections in those settings.
“So far we have not found any … we will closely monitor the senior activity centers to determine if there is a need to extend surveillance beyond simply monitoring the health of our seniors,” said Professor Mak.
Older people are also urged to keep their medical appointments to avoid deteriorating conditions, the task force emphasized.
Healthcare providers would have taken the necessary precautions for patients to access services and receive treatment safely.
Older patients in need of assistance can contact their respective public health care institutions or contact the Integrated Care Agency at 1800-650-6060.
[ad_2]
