Commentary: The invisible workforce helping Singapore age well

When we consider healthcare, hospitals are often the first image that comes to mind - doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals diagnosing illnesses and treating patients. However, this perspective is incomplete, as there exists an unseen workforce supporting seniors in their daily lives. Derek Tan, Chief of Manpower and Talent at the Agency for Integrated Care, emphasizes that community care professionals play a vital role in helping seniors age well in their communities.

These community care workers include community therapists at Senior Care Centres who aid seniors in regaining strength and confidence after falls, programme executives at Active Ageing Centres coordinating activities to keep seniors socially engaged, and care staff at nursing homes leading exercises to maintain residents' activity levels. Their work is crucial as Singapore transitions into a super-aged society, with more than one in five residents aged 65 and above, and projected to reach more than one in four by 2035.

The relationships built by these professionals with seniors are often intangible yet essential. For instance, a programme executive at an Active Ageing Centre identified a senior who had withdrawn from social activities following a fall. By checking in on the senior and working with volunteers and family members, the executive helped the individual regain confidence, ultimately averting potential social isolation.

This exemplifies the importance of early intervention and the significance of sustained relationships in senior care.

Given the aging population and growing number of seniors living alone, the demand for community-based support is expected to rise. The challenge, however, extends beyond merely meeting basic caregiving needs. Community care professionals face physically demanding tasks, emotionally taxing situations, and complex conversations about changing needs and care requirements. Thus, equipping these workers with adequate technical skills, resilience, empathy, and adaptability is crucial for strengthening the sector.

Efforts are underway to enhance training, skills development, and career progression within community care. The Agency for Integrated Care collaborates with Institutes of Technical Education and polytechnics to improve entry pathways and sector-wide job redesign initiatives aim to elevate the value and attractiveness of care roles. For example, the Community Care Career Track offers clear progression pathways and skill-building opportunities for both new and experienced professionals.

Ultimately, community care professionals derive great satisfaction from witnessing seniors regain confidence, reconnect with others, and rediscover purpose. While their contributions often go unnoticed until needed personally, the acknowledgment of their work is vital on Community Care Day, celebrated on November 1. As Singapore continues to age, it is essential to recognize that supporting seniors is a collective responsibility, encompassing various professions working together across different care settings.