COVID-19: Ensuring The Elderly Don't Become Isolated During ... - CNA

SINGAPORE: Organisations that provide care and support for the elderly are stepping up outreach efforts to prevent loneliness and heightened isolation among old folks during tighter safe distancing measures put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To protect seniors – a vulnerable group at a higher risk of getting a severe infection – activities for them were already suspended earlier in March.

With further distancing measures in place, the lack of social interaction and physical activity could have a negative impact on the mental and physical health of vulnerable elderly populations, said Dr Chris Tsoi a senior consultant from the department of psychological medicine at the National University Hospital (NUH).

Madam Koh lives alone and has already seen reduced social interactions over the past few weeks.

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“No, no I don’t go out. I buy vegetables and then I come home,” the 82-year-old said of her current daily routine.

She has been living alone for more than a decade.

Speaking in Parliament on Monday (Apr 6), Minister for Social and Family Development Desmond Lee highlighted how the Silver Generation Office reaches out to vulnerable seniors such as those living alone or those who are frail.

"Since last month, Silver Generation Ambassadors have started visiting these seniors in their homes to communicate COVID-19 precautionary measures, such as hygiene tips and social distancing," Mr Lee said in response to a question on how vulnerable people are being helped during the pandemic.

"They also identify seniors who require additional assistance during this period, and link them up with the appropriate social service agencies and service providers to ensure that their needs are met," he said.

Home visits by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or healthcare teams are also useful, Dr Tsoi suggested.

READ: COVID-19: All activities at CCs, RCs and PA facilities to be suspended

Organisations like Lions Befrienders, whose aim is to provide care and friendship for seniors like Madam Koh, have stepped in.

Lions Befrienders took measures to suspend social activities at its centres in February, affecting more than 6,000 seniors from their network.