A batch of 1,700 Silver Generation (SG) Ambassadors are ready and raring to go after completing their training.
The SG Ambassadors, who are volunteers, have to undergo 12 hours of classroom training at a new training facility at the Silver Generation Office.
The facility, which was officially launched by Health Minister Gan Kim Yong on 4 May 2018, is located at the Ministry of National Development building in Maxwell Road.
It aims to educate volunteers about healthcare services and active ageing schemes available.
During their house visits, SG Ambassadors can help to point elderly residents to the relevant support schemes depending on their needs.
Four in 10 SG Ambassadors are themselves above the age of 60.
Younger volunteers include a married couple, Mr Royce Chan and Ms Jasmine Wong, both 29, who will commence their house visits soon.
Based on interaction with his own parents, Mr Chan feels there is a gap between the policies available and awareness among the people these seek to benefit.
“There are policies out there, but it might be quite hard for (seniors) to understand,” said Mr Chan, an associate at a bank. He cited as an example the Community Health Assist Scheme card, which some seniors may not know about or know how to apply for.
Ms Wong, who works in the tourism industry, added: “I think apart from sharing the policies with them, it’s also about the befriending – just being there for them if they need a listening ear.”
Volunteers typically engage with the elderly in their own neighbourhood.
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Source: The Straits Times, 8 May 2018