Welfare assistance for the elderly needy

After reading the article entitled "How many portions of help, sir?" in the March 31st issue of Today, it struck me that our social welfare system is extremely unsuited for roping in the help of the community at large and in materially providing for the elderly-needy. Though the program has involved many charities, there is still a fundamental component lacking.

Singapore Buddhist Lodge president Lee Bock Guan was quoted saying, "We feel our burden is getting heavier over the years because there are more and more elderly". Whilst people in other needy categories such as low income single-breadwinner families are able to upgrade themselves, the elderly often find themselves physically incapable of doing so.

To address this, perhaps we need to find work suited for this category. The elderly are not completely incapacitated, and could have 'home-office' jobs such as making simple items like shuttlecocks and coiling ropes. As observed by Mr. Lee from the Thye Hua Kwan moral society, "there are lots of people who would rather take money instead of a free meal". A 'home-office' measure would go a long way in meeting this, and would also give the elderly needy a sense of pride and restored dignity.

Mr. Paul Foo, vice president of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul said "...the government needs to open its pockets more" and "What's wrong with giving [the elderly needy] another $50 a month so they can have a plate of chicken rice?" I disagree. Why not let them get the extra $50 a month through a means which they can pride themselves upon? Workfare, in this case, is welfare. Of course, those incapable of doing so would justify the $50 outright gift.

Mr. Lee from the Singapore Buddhist Lodge also observed that some of the 'needy' were actually quite well-off but wanting to live a lifestyle they are used to but can't sustain. We can still help them, but a prerequisite to this aid would be a thorough education program to help them cope with their new circumstances. Incorrigibles can then be justifiably taken off the scheme.

As for getting the general community more engaged, it is not one of effort but one of feasibility. Dr. Teo Ho Pin said, "The more the government does, the less the community will give support." This holds true if the government helps through dishing out freebies, but that is not what is needed.

Current trends are that the public is facing an increasing cost of living but having little time for family. The elderly who have children could at worst get support through the Tribunal for the Maintenance of Parents, but those that are childless are in trouble.

By Benjamin Low