Can SHC help socially isolated elderly folks?

Foods for thots for fellow SHCians who are still looking/thinking/searching for something worthwhile to do or contribute back to society…appended is an article from the ST Papers dated Tuesday, 01April2014 for your reading…and this is NOT an April’s Fools Joke – OK! Good Luck!

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7 thoughts on “Can SHC help socially isolated elderly folks?”

  1. Hi Ivan,

    I think that there will always be Singaporens and members who will help the socially isolated elderly people. There are a number of SHC members who are already putting in time, effort and money to help this group. They are putting in their time on a private basis.

    The issue I think is many people who raise these issues, tend not to do anything themselves. Maybe for various reasons. They expect the government to do something or more, They think others should do it first, not them. There may be other reasons. It is nice you raise this too. If you can lead this discussion for a few months, I am sure something will come up.

    Terence Seah

  2. Yes… start with something simple and not too demanding…
    If you like what you are doing then proceed to do something bigger… on an incremental basis. In this way you will not get the burnt out effect which affects many helpers and yet you get a good feeling you are doing something good for others. You will be a happier person.

  3. It is not easy to get these old folks for health screening eventhough these might be free for events held in CC or RC whereby docs and housemen/nurses are here to do some basic tests. First, to consider is their mobility to move around, how far a walk to reach the venue are some most major concerns faced by those CC volunteers – Most of these seniors are with wheelchair bounded or with aid of walking sticks. Eventhough some might go for these tests but in reality, how many can really afford treatments once found – due to financial burdens. These are some constraints that volunteers are facing these days. Of cos, they are many more to add on…

    Terence, yes, you are right about somewhere Singaporeans will help but they help when there is a published articles in newspapers – then, they will come to know about these plights.

    Of cos, there are many charitable organisations that put event to raise funds but after minus all logistics expenditures, how much really are the collected funds left is always a question mark to me.

    I am sure most of them listened to FM90.5 and at times, you will heard something that they are the main sponsors for ‘Willing Hearts’ which caters packed lunches or dinners for the 1 to 2 rooms stayers. But 1 had to be very committed to their times slots for helping out these deliveries for free. I tried doing that but have to give up cos I cant commit a fixed time slots as I had other issues to handle at times.

    Charles, you r absolutely right, ppls like those, can only afford to do something small to help these out but how many are willing to help out.. in terms of cash and time? Another question mark in my mind…..

    Cheers… Dolly

  4. Are members of SHC consider elderly! Believe most of the members are healthy and mobility is not a problem, that’s a blessing.

    What about tomorrow, the next day, next month, next year and down the road will our health condition still the same as of now.

    Concur with Charles and Dolly, getting involve in the long run definitely the need for commitment is utmost important or the ‘burnt out effect’ will creeps in and there will be a feeling of time not worth spending.
    Does it cross ‘your mind’ starting from within, i.e. SHC.

    Just a thought and reflection since Ivan raise this topic.
    Goh

    1. Hi Ah Lam,

      As I see our membership, most of our members are fit, well-to-do and mobile. Because of the way we recruit our membership, our members are educated, had good jobs, and not poor. The Club started in 2005, so a number of members are now almost 10 years older.

      When we attend gatherings or go out in small groups, we see many members are fit, loves to travel, and are rather vibrant. What we have not seen are those who cannot join us in many events. They could be weak on the legs and knees. They do not participate, but they now have Viber, Whatsapp and Facebook. Many are at home, just like many other elderlies in Singapore. If nobody talks with them, that’s it. They will stay at home, enjoy the TV and Whatsapp the whole day.

      Many likes to come out to see the sun, and meet friends.

      Ivan, I doubt you are referring to this group. I believe you are referring to the group that is more than simply socially isolated and elderly. Personally, I am not active in such work, although I do agree that small steps need to be taken. If SHC can do something as a group, we can support in little ways. Essentially, like in all activities, a champion is needed, and that is someone who has the energy to do small things. Ivan, Ah Lam, indeed we are getting older, fast.

      Terence Seah

  5. You remember, Terence, at the Lohei event last year, there was a gentle suggestion by a senior SHC lady, whom I seldom meet, who very nicely was wondering whether we could organise something for the very senior members – maybe just a very simple lunch amongst themselves only. I think it’s a very good idea but I dare not commit myself – what if I say OK but later some unforeseen circumstances cropped up suddenly and I didnt fulfil my promise? I see that so far our activities cater mainly for the fit and younger members (45-60+) but I dont see many of the 70 years and above. Have been thinking hard about this special group of members and I hope one day I can make this a reality. Do you think it’s quite simple – just book a table at a comfortable restaurant but I think we’ll do just one table per event. Not too wise to have too many tables since we are having a very special group. I’m afraid we need the very senior members to show up themselves at the venue but we can meet them at a certain meeting point outside the restaurant to assure them that they are safe immediately on arrival.

    Need a little more work and I cannot do this alone la. If there is some support from other members, that can motivate me to go further and see how we can do it.

  6. A couple of years back we did a Lunar New Year for a free lunch and health screening for 200 elderly citizens from the Queenstowns area. Our members were very kind and generous to give donation and gifts.
    We occupied an air-conditioned mufti-purpose hall able to seat up to 250 pax. Free entertainment and karaoke were included. We also get to personally shake hand with the MP.
    Perhaps it’s time we put our hands together to do our part for the elderlies?
    Dan

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