Speech by Mr Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State for Health, at the Stroke Support Station Open House, on 27 October 2017

SPEECH BY MR CHEE HONG TAT, SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH, AT THE STROKE SUPPORT STATION OPEN HOUSE, AT ENABLING VILLAGE, ON 27 OCTOBER 2017, 10.20AM

Mrs Teo Poh-Yim, Chairman, Stroke Support Station (S3) 

Friends of S3 

Ladies and gentlemen

            Good morning everyone. Thank you for inviting me to the Open House of Stroke Support Station (S3). I am happy to be here today, speaking to many outstanding and dedicated volunteers, stroke survivors, caregivers and healthcare professionals who have come together to support our stroke community.

STRENGTHENING STROKE REHABILITATION IN THE COMMUNITY

2.         Stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when blood supply to a part of the brain is cut off. With advances in medical care, more patients are likely to survive a stroke. Some survivors make a full recovery and, after having been discharged from hospital, quickly transition back to their normal lives. However, many other stroke survivors require further rehabilitation and support to re-integrate back into their usual daily lives.

3.         The number of strokes and demand for stroke rehabilitation are expected to increase as our population ages. To improve the accessibility of rehab services near home, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has been increasing the number of Day Rehabilitation Centres (DRCs) and Senior Care Centres (SCCs). There are currently more than 70 such centres across Singapore and we are working towards further increasing the number of SCCs within Nursing Homes, polyclinics, community centres and HDB void decks to make care even more accessible. These centres offer patients a smoother transition back to their normal activities and allow them to recuperate more comfortably near their home instead of the hospital.

4.         The recuperation period following a stroke can be challenging. On this note, I would like to commend S3 for the great effort in supporting stroke survivors. Together with its partners – NUHS, NUH, Body Engineering and other healthcare service providers – S3 has put in hard work to introduce programmes within the community to reach out to more stroke survivors and caregivers so that they have the necessary long-term support within their neighbourhoods. Aside from re-learning physical activities such as walking and eating, some stroke survivors also require support for cognitive, emotional and social needs. To support these needs, S3 has developed programmes such as the Brain Health and Memory Training Programme, a community-led programme to improve the memory and cognition of stroke survivors.

SUPPORTING STROKE SURVIVORS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS

5.         The efforts of S3 and other like-minded organisations complement the schemes and programmes that MOH has put in place to support the needs of stroke survivors and caregivers in the long term. While rehabilitation is beneficial in optimising a stroke survivor’s functional recovery, not all can return to their pre-stroke condition. For those with residual impairment, different degrees of support may be required to enable them to transition back into the community. Some survivors may manage independently with the use of a walking aid. However, others with more serious impairments require more help, such as through the assistance of a caregiver.

6.         On MOH’s end, we are first, constantly improving accessibility of services and programmes through having more touch points. For example, the Singapore Silver Line, a one-stop call centre was launched in 2014 to help seniors and their caregivers navigate care services and schemes in the community. For those who prefer a more personal touch, they can also visit the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC)’s AICareLinks resource centres located at its Maxwell Road office and at six hospitals.

7.         Second, we will regularly review our schemes to provide support for stroke patients and their families. The Caregiver Training Grant provides $200 for caregivers to attend training courses each year to better equip them with the necessary skills and know-how in caring for their loved ones. For families who require additional help, the Foreign Domestic Worker Grant provides $120 each month to families who employ foreign domestic help to care for seniors at home and persons with moderate disabilities. Eligible families with frail seniors, young children or persons with disabilities can also enjoy a reduced Foreign Domestic Worker Concessionary Levy of $60 per month.

8.         Third, we are enhancing the accessibility of our respite care programmes. There are currently nine eldercare centres across Singapore where caregivers can place their loved ones to be cared for, for a few hours on the weekends. Those who need a longer respite of a few days to a month can also participate in the Nursing Home Respite Care Programme, which is now offered by more than 40 nursing homes since its launch in 2013. 

CONCLUSION

9.         Let me conclude by thanking S3 for organising the Open House to raise awareness in the community about the support available for stroke survivors and their families. Care for stroke survivors requires many helping hands. Through collaboration and partnership, we can make a difference to the lives of stroke survivors and their families. I hope more companies and volunteers will join us to support this meaningful cause. Thank you.