Family Caregiving for Older Persons in Singapore.ppt

Family Caregiving for Older Persons in Singapore Prof. Kalyani K.Mehta Dept of Social Work National University of Singapore Importance of the issue Cultural (filial piety) Government policy“Family is the first line of support” The ageing population profile of Singapore- increasing life expectancy- lower fertility rate Some statistics The percentage of people above 65 years will increase from 8.4% in 2005 to 18.7% in 2030In absolute numbers there will be an increase from about 296,000 in June 2005 to 873, 300 in 2030(Committee on Ageing Issues Report,2006) Baby Boomer generation Born after the Second World War They form the middle section of the Population Pyramid Most will be healthier, wealthier and better educated than the current cohorts of people above 65 years in Singapore So what does it mean? Life events As people age, even if they have resources, they still need care A physically able person may be struck with stroke An active senior may have some eyesight problems An accident or fall may render a person incapacitated for a temporary period of time Statistics on caregivers So far no national survey has been done so we do not know the exact figures Estimated that there are about 210,800 caregivers in S’pore looking after seniors, disabled children, physically and mentally ill people (Straits Times 12/4/04) National Survey of Senior Citizens 1995It showed that about 60% of family caregivers were not working and 43.4% were working 2005 5% of senior citizens are dependent and require family care (14,845 seniors) NUS Research A survey (2006) done on 323 family caregivers showed that 54% were working and 40% were housewives or retirees Stressors faced by the working caregivers can be different from the non-working Age of caregivers is important eg. a wife who is 70 years looking after her husband compared to a 45 year old daughter looking after her 80 year old mother Older Persons living alone 2005 1995(Source: CAI Report, 200