MWS on-boards 3 more Active Ageing Centres
Since 1 Apr 2023, 3 more MWS Senior Activity Centres have been onboarded as Active Ageing Centres (AACs), as part of the Ministry of Health’s nationwide initiative to provide all seniors with greater social and healthcare support.
With the transition of MWS AAC – Fernvale Rivergrove, MWS AAC – Teck Ghee Vista and MWS AAC – GreenTops@Sims Place, MWS now runs a network of 7 AACs across the island.
The Centres will expand their services, in line with the Healthier SG initiative, which focuses on preventive care and empowering citizens to take charge of their own health.
Under the new model of care, MWS AACs will proactively reach out to and serve a wider population of seniors, regardless of housing types and income levels. The Centres will provide services such as active ageing programmes, befriending and buddying, and care referrals.
To kick-start its transition, MWS AAC – GreenTops@Sims Place held a 3-hour Fun and Wellness Carnival at the void deck of Blk 40 Sims Drive on 27 Apr 2023. Staff from the AAC had reached out to nearly 300 seniors aged 60 and above through door knocking to invite them to the event for a physical assessment including gait speed and balance tests; and community screening, a questionnaire tool to detect health and social risks. There was also a vital signs assessment, game stations, and a sure-win lucky draw.
About 70 seniors attended the event. One of them was 95-year-old Mdm Ho Ah Thai, a wheelchair-bound widow, whom the Centre recently started reaching out to. Staff and volunteers went to Mdm Ho’s house to wheel her to the event venue, where she could socialise with the other seniors and more.
During the community screening, Mdm Ho confessed that she often felt lonely staying alone, as both her children are married. After being introduced to the active ageing programmes held at the Centre, Mdm Ho agreed to join so that she could make new friends and stave off social isolation. The Centre has also linked her up with two befrienders, who visit and call her regularly. Mdm Ho expressed happiness that she was being cared for by staff and volunteers.
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