How Community Care Professionals Can Help Seniors Manage Their Health Plans

We’ve seen a growing emphasis on health and well-being these days, whether in the community or at a national level. For example, the Ministry of Health recently launched Healthier SG, an initiative to help proactively reshape Singaporeans’ health-seeking behaviours and lifestyles, so we remain healthy and active well into old age.

This is especially crucial now as our population ages. Recent findings reveal that one in four Singaporeans will be aged 65 and above by 2030, an increase from the current one in six today. While health outcomes in Singapore have improved — we have one of the highest life expectancies in the world as well as a healthcare system that is largely responsive to the needs of the community — much still needs to be addressed. The prevalence of chronic diseases like hypertension has risen, for instance.

Among the key features of Healthier SG is developing health plans for individuals that include lifestyle adjustments, regular health screenings and the appropriate vaccinations when needed. The goal is to have a populace that is as healthy and active as possible to minimise visits to the doctor, consultations with specialists or even hospital stays.

To better support seniors, especially those who may have a hard time navigating the intricacies of the healthcare system, community care professionals who are equipped to assist residents with their health plan is crucial.

The Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) has appointed SingHealth Community Hospitals Office of Learning (SCHOOL) as a Learning Partner in developing, delivering and administering training courses for the Community Care sector.  Currently, there is a course that equips Community Care professionals with the skills and knowledge which empowers seniors to stay active and independent: Introduction to Community Connector Course.

Why is this course important?

One participant of the course sums it up perfectly: “One key takeaway that I have is the stage of changes, as it helps me to identify whether seniors that I visit are ready to make positive changes to their lifestyle.” 

Covering the basics: Introduction to Community Connector Course ($420.56, 12 Hours)

This is a basic course customised for staff of Active Ageing Centres (AACs) and Active Ageing Centres (Care) [AACs (Care)], who directly interact with seniors in the community.

The course gives them a foundational knowledge and skills to facilitate connections between primary care and the community for seniors, and help seniors to follow up on their health plans. The aim is to empower seniors to stay active and manage their own health goals to their best abilities.

The course consists of lectures, video presentations, group discussions, role plays and case discussions, all anchored on real-life and practical knowledge that AAC staff is familiar with.

“I find that the Social Prescribing concept and knowledge we learnt is very practical and useful, and I would like to encourage all the community partners or even colleagues at the community posts to learn and even subscribe for this course,” said a staffer who has completed the course. 

Visit the AIC’s Learning Network Course Marketplace website for more details of the courses available from SCHOOL. Under the “All Learning Institutes” drop-down list, select “SingHealth Community Hospitals Office of Learning (SCHOOL)”.