A Publication for Community Care Partners

by the Agency for Integrated Care

JAN 2017
ISSUE
coming together as one 27

SHOWCASE REFLECTIONS
ILTC Night 2016 Compassion and Care:
PAGE 6 Venerable
Sik Kwang Sheng
National Seminar PAGE 10
on Productivity in
Healthcare 2016 AND
PAGE 8 MORE
SPOTLIGHT
A Day In the Life of ...
PAGE 4
 EDITORS NOTE January 2017 2

WELCOME TO About Agency for

Integrated Care (AIC)
mosAIC... AIC seeks to create a vibrant Care Community
enabling people to live well and age gracefully. AIC
coordinates and facilitates efforts in care integration
Happy 2017! to achieve the best care outcomes for our clients. We
In this new year, we bring you another issue packed with exciting news for the do this by empowering them with health and social care
Community Care sector. In Bulletin, join us in congratulating exemplary staff from information and arranging for their care when they
23 outstanding Community Care organisations who were honoured at the ILTC are discharged from hospitals. We enable stakeholders
to raise the quality of care, and also enhance
Excellence Awards 2016, organised by AIC.
collaboration by working with health and social care
In the ever-popular section, Spotlight, find out what drives two young talents Staff partners to increase services to support the ageing
Nurses Andrea Hia from Yong-en Care Centre and Mirza Abdul Halim from Dover population. Our work in the community brings care
Park Hospice to do their best for their clients. Then, relive the highlights of 2016s services and information closer to those in need.
ILTC Night and the National Seminar on Productivity in Healthcare in our specially For more information, visit http://www.aic.sg.
upsized Showcase section.
No matter what your role is in the sector, care and compassion are qualities that About mosAIC
mosAIC shares happenings within AIC and in the
bind us together. In Reflections, Venerable Sik Kwang Sheng, Abbot, Kong Meng Community Care sector.
San Phor Kark See Monastery and Chairman, Bright Hill Evergreen Home, shares
some wisdom from his experiences and approaches that can help us all age better. For more information, visit http://www.aic.sg/mosaic.
Do consider incorporating these approaches and the 10 tips offered in
Improvements into your new years resolutions. Publisher Designer
Agency for Integrated Care Cubiz Pte Ltd
In Newsbytes, we share the many accolades received by Community Care staff in Editorial Team Printer
the second half of 2016 a testament to their dedication in advancing care. Lynda Soong, Chief Editor Spectrum Zone
Beyond these individual efforts, greater strides have also been made to co-create a Charmaine Tan, Second Editor International Pte Ltd
shared vision for the sectors enhanced quality of care. Find out more about the Thiru Gunasegaran
House of Quality framework which was discussed at the Quality Retreat and how
you too may contribute to it. MCI (P) 160/03/2016
mosAIC is a publication by the Agency for
For updates on good practices, go to Sectors Sharing and read about two Integrated Care (AIC). The views and opinions
award-winning projects in skin care and exercise. In other pages, read about expressed or implied in mosAIC do not necessarily
initiatives to better support caregivers, persons living with mental health conditions, reect those of AIC, its directors or editorial staff.
and the general public so as to enable everyone to live well and age gracefully in All information is correct at time of printing. Articles
our community. may only be reproduced with AICs permission.
Is your organisation already using the National ILTC IT Enablement Programme
(NI-IELP)? Discover some of the benefits of the recently launched medication For editorial queries, feedback and subscription*,
management module. For other innovative practices, get tips on how to start a please email mosaic@aic.sg.
Community Caf for people living with dementia in Regular Reads. *FREE subscription for Health and Social
Thank you for the valuable comments you shared with us during the last feedback Care Staff!
exercise. Do keep a look out for some exciting changes which we will be bringing
to you progressively in future issues. Scan mosAICs Quick
Response (QR) code with your
Happy working! smart devices to easily access

Lynda Soong
online content (ipzine,
photo/video gallery and
additional journal articles).

Lynda Soong
Chief Editor
mosaic@aic.sg This new cover series illustrates
that through the joining of hands,
supportive environments can be
fostered to enable seniors to live
well and age gracefully.

mosAIC is the recipient of four APEX Awards for Publication Excellence Print Newsletter
category (2015 & 2016), Most Improved Newsletter category (2014) and Newsletter
Electronic and Web category (2013). In support of a sustainable planet, this publication
is printed on environmentally friendly paper.
 BULLETIN http://www.aic.sg/mosaic 3

HONOURING EXEMPLARY STAFF:

ILTC EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2016
What does receiving an ILTC
Excellence Award mean to you?
This award is a combined effort of many
unsung heroes who go beyond their call of
duty every day. This is a sector where we
can constantly push frontiers to improve the
quality of care. We can only do this if we
have the heart for our patients.
Benjamin Lim Wei Ming, Senior Occupational
Therapist, Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital, Service
Quality Gold award recipient.
It is satisfying working in the Community Care
sector as it provides opportunities for us to
provide holistic care for patients, [so they can]
achieve their best premorbid status and
reintegrate back into the community.
2016s ILTC Excellence Awards recipients together with Dr Amy Khor (in striped dress), Senior
The team from St. Andrews Community
Minister of State, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and Ministry of Health, and
Dr Jennifer Lee (in orange top), Chairman, AIC. Hospital. Project: Preventing Medication
Omission Error in a Community Hospital,
On 28 September 2016, 320 Community Care staff came together for the Clinical Quality Improvement Team award
much-awaited ILTC Excellence Awards. The AIC-organised biennial event, solely recipient. The project has ensured that there
dedicated to the Community Care sector, recognises staffs exemplary efforts in have been no medication omission cases
delivering quality care and services. The Awards are given to outstanding since January 2015.
individuals who have shown service excellence and given valuable suggestions
which have improved care in their organisations. It also acknowledges exceptional
quality improvement initiatives that have been implemented. Fast Facts
During her speech, Guest of Honour Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State, Ministry
of the Environment and Water Resources and Ministry of Health, said, By 2030, we The first ILTC Excellence Awards was held
will have over 900,000 seniors aged 65 and over. We need to ensure that existing in 2014.
and new services are delivered with a high quality of care I hope recipients will There are two award categories:
continue your good work and inspire others to do the same. I also want to encourage Individual (Service Quality [Gold and Silver],
organisations to continue to build cultures of excellence and continuously improve. Good Suggestion) and Team (Areas: Clinical
Quality Improvement, Service Quality
Improvement, and Productivity and Innovation).
A total of 209 awards (175 Individual Awards and 34 Team Awards) were given
to 23 winning organisations. Our heartiest congratulations to: Nominations were assessed by an
evaluation panel comprising 15 members
All Saints Home Society for the Aged Sick
from the Community Care sector and AIC.
Ang Mo Kio The Salvation Army Peacehaven
Thye Hua Kwan Hospital Nursing Home
Bright Vision Hospital Society for the Physically Disabled
Dover Park Hospice Singapore Cancer Society FOR MORE INFORMATION!
ECON Healthcare Group Sree Narayana Mission Home for Contact the ILTC Excellence
HCA Hospice Care the Aged Sick Awards secretariat at
Jurong Community Hospital St. Andrews Community Hospital excellence.awards@aic.sg.
Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital St. Andrews Nursing Home
Ling Kwang Home for Senior Citizens St Lukes ElderCare
National Kidney Foundation St Lukes Hospital
More photos at:
Orange Valley Nursing Homes TOUCH Community Services http://www.aic.sg/mosaic/gallery/jan17
Ren Ci Hospital Villa Francis Home for the Aged
 SPOTLIGHT January 2017
A DAY IN THE
LIFE OF ...
In this section, we catch up with Community Care staff Andrea Hia, Staff Nurse, Yong-en
Care Centre (Yong-en) and Mirza Abdul Halim, Staff Nurse, Dover Park Hospice (DPH) to
find out more about their work.
Working with Andrea is a breeze
because she works from her heart! It is
always energising to see such passion in
a young nurse. She has been such an
inspiration to the people around her.
Gerald Tan, Manager,
Elderly Services, Yong-en
Activities like role-playing in skits help clients hone
their independent living skills such as ordering drinks
in a coffee shop.
(Photo credit: Yong-en Care Centre)
8.00am
This job keeps me continuously on the go so
the day begins with hydration a cup of tea.
As a nurse in our Dementia Day Care Centre,
I look into care aspects that bring about
physical, mental, and social wellbeing for my
clients. Mornings are spent coordinating care
plans with their families and other healthcare
professionals; administering medication;
checking vital signs; and planning activities.
Andrea shows genuine care and
concern and looks after us very well. She
treats us equally and is kind and helpful. She
shows great patience, listening to our needs
and doing her best to meet them in any way
she can.
Mdm L, a Yong-en Client
12.00pm
Lunch is served! It can be a challenge to
balance paperwork and contact time
with clients but somehow, we find a way.
Afternoons are spent making referrals
and completing nursing reports. We also
conduct orientation for new clients and
volunteers and trial sessions for those
who may wish to attend dementia day
care with us. I need to constantly
multitask but this means that work is
never mundane.
At Yong-en, we conduct a wide range of
activities. In the afternoon, clients may be
involved in reminiscence sessions, food
bingo, karaoke, and pet-related activities.
Spending time getting to know clients is
integral to providing good care. This is
especially important for clients with a
dementia diagnosis as they may have
difficulty verbalising their needs. There is
such a fine line between a client feeling
unwell and needing medical attention so
being familiar with their personality and
range of behaviours helps determine if
they require medical attention.
I am particularly heartened when my
clients recognise and remember me
enough to seek help. Seeing them at
ease and feeling cheerful after I have
assisted them makes my day.
3.00pm
During interactions with clients, they
constantly surprise us with their wit and
4
Name: Andrea Hia
Organisation:
Yong-en Care Centre
Designation:
Staff Nurse
Years in Service: 1.5
(Photo credit:
Yong-en Care Centre)
puns. This keeps work interesting as I am
always learning new things. Once, during
a game forfeit, we cued the favourite song
of a client, passed him a ukulele and he
started to sing and dance! His spirit was
so ignited that he forgot that his legs are
weak; he performed the whole song! This
episode taught me the importance of
knowing what clients like and facilitating
their independence so they can express
themselves freely and meaningfully.
5.00pm
It is a good day when activities have been
well planned and clients feel safe,
engaged, and happy. My days can be
long but my family knows that I enjoy my
work. My experiences have also been
helpful now that my grandmother has
been diagnosed with Alzheimers disease.
If you are considering working in this field,
I would say, take this leap of faith and
step out of your comfort zone. It also
helps if you have patience, critical
thinking, and a sense of humour.
Although being a nurse in dementia care
is not easy, my clients never fail to leave a
smile on my face.
 http://www.aic.sg/mosaic 5

Mirza attending to one

6.30AM
At DPH, we have three rotating shifts and
practise a team-based nursing approach.
My team comprises a Registered Nurse
(RN), an Enrolled Nurse, and Nursing Aides.
As the RN, I manage patients pain and
symptoms; conduct spiritual, emotional,
and psychosocial baseline assessments;
manage controlled drugs; review care plans;
work with our multidisciplinary team to
manage patients holistically; and implement
interventions to provide comfort care.
Shifts can be physically demanding, so I
always ensure I exercise regularly and rest
adequately. During morning duties, after a
team handover, we prepare and administer
medication; follow up on issues; and receive
new admissions. We always have to think
on our feet in palliative care. As our clients
are terminally ill, they may deteriorate or
have multiple symptoms all at once. We must
then assess and reassess their condition to
intervene promptly and appropriately.
11.00am
When I first started, I was an energizer
bunny, moving quickly through my tasks.
These days, I move as quickly, but choose to
spend more time interacting with patients.
In the early afternoon, we administer
medication, assist with mealtimes, and
catch up with patients and their families.
Communicating with a patients family
requires a lot of tact. During this difficult
period, watching a loved ones condition
of his patients during
mealtime.
(Photo credit: Dover
Park Hospice)
worsen can upset and sometimes make
them request unsuitable or unrealistic
interventions. Thankfully, training and
experience have enabled me to better
manage these situations.
1.00pm
I am grateful for my accidental introduction
to this sector. Assigned as an agency nurse
to DPH, I saw the hospices commitment to
its patients and felt it would be meaningful
to assist people in this phase of their lives.
My patients are a source of wisdom. I
remember a well-educated elderly patient
who disliked inarticulate people. Usually,
such patients would speak to a senior
nurse or doctor for the smallest of things.
Somehow, he chose to ask me about his
treatments. This experience made me
realise the importance of knowledge and
self-confidence in earning the trust of
patients and their families.
2.30pm
Before leaving, I finish all my tasks so that
my colleagues in the next shift do not need
to complete them and can focus on providing
direct care to patients. A great day involves
spending time with alert patients, even if
they are not able to communicate. Whenever
appropriate, I also crack jokes to lighten the
mood. The healthcare sector needs to be
more aware that palliative care has more
applications beyond caring for a dying
person. I hope it will be better integrated
into all aspects of care in the future.
Name: Mirza Abdul Halim
Organisation:
Dover Park Hospice
Designation:
Staff Nurse
Awards Received:
SHMDP-ILTC* 2016 recipient
(Specialist Diploma in Palliative
Nursing Care, Ngee Ann
Polytechnic)
Years in Service: 5
(Photo credit: Dover Park Hospice)
*Social & Health Manpower Development
Programme Intermediate and Long-Term Care.
Mirza is gentle and very patient when
caring for his patients. He also
demonstrates a good understanding of
patients with end-of-life care issues and
their family members who may be
experiencing anticipatory loss, grief, and
bereavement.
Chin Soh Mun, Head of Nursing
Services, DPH
Mirza is very patient and takes good
care of his patients. He has been able to
coax my husband to eat when he refuses.
Tang Ah Muay, wife of Lim Pa Tang
(Mr Lim is a DPH patient)
More photos at:
http://www.aic.sg/mosaic/gallery/jan17
 SHOWCASE January 2017
YESTERDAY, TODAY, TOMORROW:
ILTC NIGHT 2016
Community Care partners, as well as MOH and AIC staff, came together for an
evening to remember during ILTC Night 2016.
On 16 September 2016, some 1,400 staff from the Community Care
sector came together and bonded over the theme, Yesterday, Today,
Tomorrow. Held at Raffles City Convention Centre, it was the evening of
ILTC Night, the much-awaited signature event organised by AIC. Held
biennially and known affectionately as the entire sectors Dinner and
Dance, it was a time of coming together to celebrate the sectors
achievements.
Graced for the first time by three senior leaders from the Ministry of Health
(MOH) Senior Minister of State, Dr Amy Khor, Ministry of the Environment
and Water Resources and MOH; Ministers of State, Dr Lam Pin Min, MOH
and Chee Hong Tat, Ministry of Communications and Information and
MOH it was an evening of great camaraderie, good food, and fun.
One of the key highlights of the Night has always been its performances.
The evening started on a high note with a first-time combined choir
performance, Seasons of Love, by senior leaders from the Community
Care sector, MOH, and AIC. AIC staff also presented various
performances, including a traditional Chinese Opera song and an
electrifying rhythmic percussion item using recycled materials.
The eagerly-anticipated ILTC Night Talent Competition saw eight
contestants from various Community Care organisations showcasing their
creativity and talents.
The memorable evening ended with leaders from the Community Care
sector, MOH, and AIC singing modified versions of two songs by popular
music group Coldplay to thank staff for making a difference in the lives of
their clients. Some of the lyrics included With commitment we care for
you/ We always long to improve/ To deliver our best to you/ Our mission
here is to work hand in hand which were sung to the tune of Viva La Vida.
6
ILTC Night Talent Competition
In February 2016, 16 contestants (competing in the solo
and group categories), took part in auditions as a lead-up
to the ILTC Night Talent Competition. mosAIC caught up
with the eight finalists to find out about their experiences
being part of the talent segment.
Solo category
1st
Prize
Beverly Bautista (Ling Kwang Home for Senior Citizens)
She sang a mash-up of Go The Distance and Home.
Its overwhelming! I feel really blessed and thankful that I
can share this talent with others. I [have] practised more
[with] every competition as I know that the other participants
are getting better. I also usually pray before I go onstage.
Taking part in ILTC Night is an experience that I will hold in
my memory and a story that I will share with my loved ones.
(This was the third time Beverly has taken part in the ILTC
Night Talent Competition and her second time clinching
the first prize).
Merit Prizes
Amit Choudhury, Ang Mo Kio Thye Hua Kwan
Hospital (AMK THKH) who performed a
self-composed song in Bengali titled Toke Mone
Porche Tai (Ill Be Missing You).
It was a great opportunity to present myself as a
composer and performer to the judges and audience. I
was also proud to share the song as it reflected my
personality and feelings.
Odessa Milanio, Sunshine Welfare Action Mission
(SWAMI) Home for her rendition of Better Days.
Being the chosen one to represent SWAMI Home and as
a finalist of ILTC Night was a wonderful experience. What
struck me most was the heartfelt moments of making new
friends. It also served as an eye opener for how much
support I have from SWAMI Home. I feel blessed to be
part of the team.

Group category
1st
Prize
Ling Kwang Home for Senior Citizens (LKH)
Through a musical movement of hands and colours, they depicted the
story of an elderly woman who remembers her past and struggles in her
present life. Eventually, she finds her future light, giving her hope,
meaning, and happiness.
Our residents were our inspiration; seeing them and listening to
their stories gave us the idea for our item, Mime. We had some
difficulty scheduling practice sessions and these sometimes went
on till late at night because of our conflicting shifts. Also, as some
members were doing mime for the first time, we started from
scratch but together, we learned and finished our piece!
We are glad that the audience and judges appreciated our hard
work.We wanted to show that we should not take our loved ones
who have grown old for granted. We should cherish them while
they are still around and remember how they brought us up when
we were young and helpless. Now is the time to repay them for
their love.
Beverly Bautista, Enrolled Nurse, Group spokesperson
(This was the third time that LKH has taken part in the ILTC Night
Talent Competition and the first time that they clinched the top spot).
2nd
Prize
Society for the
Aged Sick (SAS)
Their performance
comprised three
separate dance
numbers to mark
the past, present,
and future.
[In line with the theme], we decided to do a dance routine featuring
choreography from the 1960s (yesterday), hip hop (today), and a
futuristic one (tomorrow). To help the audience and judges further
http://www.aic.sg/mosaic 7
understand our dance, we wore three different costumes. The
teams hard work and great support from the SAS family contributed to
our success.
Marantan Ace Adanza, Enrolled Nurse, Group spokesperson
(This was the first time that SAS took part in the ILTC Night Talent
Competition).
3rd
Prize
Sunlove Abode for
Intellectually-Infirmed
(Sunlove)
Their dance incorporated
elements from various
cultures in Singapore.
At first, we felt disheartened as we had, in previous years, not been
selected for the finals. However, with motivation and support from our
management, the team this time took on the challenge to do something
unique. We made the effort to embed our values within the dance, such
as loving and caring for our patients and portraying harmony and unity
across the races, which are the core values of our nursing home and
Singapore.
Charles Lingham, Director of Nursing, Group spokesperson
(This was the fourth time that Sunlove has taken part in the ILTC Night
Talent Competition, this win was their best placed position).
Merit Prizes
AMK THKH for their performance of three love songs from
the 1960s, 1980s, and 1990s.
Our team, SWaBs (South Wing Ang Mo Kio Band) was formed two
years ago when our south wing first opened. We started playing
songs inside the ward during patients birthdays and subsequently,
during various AMK THKH events. [To prepare for ILTC Night], we
practised during our off days and even during our breaks.
National Kidney Foundation for their youthful and energetic
dance number.
We were very happy to be able to participate at ILTC Night. We are
delighted and honoured to have won and it was a great team
effort as everyone did their best at the performance.
More photos at:
http://www.aic.sg/mosaic/gallery/jan17
 SHOWCASE January 2017
DRIVING VALUE IN HEALTHCARE: NATIONAL SEMINAR
ON PRODUCTIVITY IN HEALTHCARE 2016
(Clockwise, from top left) Some of the Seminar speakers included Robert Chew1; Gran Henriks2,
Professor Michael Porter3, Professor Hum Sin Hoon4, and Professor Jonathon Gray5.
Over 1,200 participants from the healthcare
sector came together for the biennial
National Seminar on Productivity in
Healthcare 2016 (20-21 October) held at
the Marina Bay Sands Expo and
Convention Centre, Singapore. The
Seminars theme was Driving Value in
Healthcare and focused on three tracks:
Care Redesign;
Automation, Information Technology
(IT) and Robotics Innovation; and
Workforce Transformation.
More than 30 renowned local and
international thought leaders shared their
insights on over 20 topics related to these
tracks.
In his keynote address, Value-Based
Healthcare Delivery: Strategy for Healthcare
Leaders, Professor Michael Porter
explained that it is necessary to
restructure healthcare delivery with the
fundamental goal of maximising value
for patients as incremental solutions (e.g.,
introducing LEAN process improvements,
eliminating errors, etc.) have limited impact.
He added that the single most powerful
lever for reducing cost is improving
outcomes. He also shared strategies6 that
can be employed to create a value-based
healthcare delivery organisation. These
include organising care around patients
medical conditions and segments such as
through Integrated Practice Units7 (IPUs);
moving to value-based reimbursement
models; and expanding geographic reach
8
to drive excellence such as through affiliate
programmes.
Highlights from the plenary sessions
included those by Robert Chew, Gran
Henriks, and Professor Jonathon Gray. In
his presentation, Why Computers Get
Better and Health Care Should, Robert
shared that there are benefits to
bringing in new medical innovations
but it may not provide labour or cost
saving productivity improvements. He
put forth that the healthcare sector
should leverage technology to develop
moonshot projects (i.e., ambitious and
groundbreaking projects that could
potentially create major changes).
During his session on Driving Value
Development and Productivity as a Key
Pillar in Organisational Culture, Gran shared
that when it comes to patient involvement,
instead of placing them in the centre, the
patient should be included as part of
the care team, with their needs and
preferences placed at the centre. He
also added that value is increased when
we can meet the changing needs of
different groups of patients over the
course of their life cycle.
Elaborating on new leadership approaches
in Extraordinary: How Do We Equip
Ourselves to Climb the Truly Big Mountains
of Healthcare?, Professor Gray shared that
momentous leadership is required to
realise the vision of providing great
care everywhere. He noted that
qualities of such leadership turns
failing into learning; does not exhaust
people but instead inspires resilience;
leads by visible improvement; and
recognises the community as the main
source of wisdom.
Sharing her thoughts on the Seminar, Zeng
Mei Lian, Head of Finance, Home Nursing
Foundation, shared, [We gained] plenty of
valuable knowledge and principles which
we can learn and apply in our continuing
efforts to improve the overall productivity of
our organisation. Thank you to all the
speakers for sharing their enriching and
insightful experiences on their improvement
journeys with us.
 http://www.aic.sg/mosaic 9

SLH and NUH partnership receives a National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medal
The inaugural National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity (HIP)
Medals award ceremony held during the Seminar celebrates
excellence in healthcare innovation and productivity. A total of 56
submissions from over 20 organisations were received for the
categories: Care Redesign; Automation, IT and Robotics Innovation;
and Workforce Transformation. Five organisations received their
awards from Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of the
Environment and Water Resources and Ministry of Health.
Our heartiest congratulations to St Lukes Hospital (SLH) and
National University Hospital (NUH) for clinching a Best Practice
Medal in Care Redesign for their partnership on the Integrated Care
Path project. The project helped to better integrate care for patients
recovering from total knee replacement and total hip replacement,
reducing the length of hospital stay and estimated cost avoidance of
about $1.6 million for 295 patients over two years. Dr Chia Tee Hien,
Assistant Medical Director, SLH, shared, Major challenges [we
faced] were the intentional tweaks in current processes for NUH to
provide early counselling on the NUH-SLH care path and estimated
bill-size of the NUH-SLH journey, as well as for SLH to ring-fence
beds to accommodate patients timely discharge from NUH. With
both parties equal commitment towards delivering better care for
our patients, this project has turned out to be a success.
(L-R) Tan Teck Chong, Head, Operations & Administration, University
Orthopaedics, Hand & Reconstructive Microsurgery Cluster, NUH;
Associate Professor Tan Boon Yeow, CEO, SLH; Senior Minister of State Dr
Amy Khor; Associate Professor Wilson Wang, Head & Senior Consultant,
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, NUH; Grace Tan, Assistant Manager,
Project and Partnership, SLH; and Kan Hong Qing, Senior Manager, NUH,
at the HIP Medals award ceremony.

Launch of the 2020 Healthcare Manpower Plan

The Seminar also saw the launch of the 2020 Healthcare Manpower Plan by Guest of Honour, Minister for
Health, Gan Kim Yong. The Plan outlines key strategies to develop our future healthcare workforce including:
Building future skills such as placing more emphasis on Primary and Community Care in
pre-employment clinical training;
Training more doctors in broad-based specialty disciplines (i.e., Family, Geriatric, and Internal Medicine); and
Deepening the skills of nurses through initiatives such as the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme
in Gerontology Nursing.
Download the 2020 Healthcare Manpower Plan at:
http://www.moh.gov.sg/content/moh_web/home/pressRoom/highlights/2016/2020-healthcare-manpower-plan.html

Fast Facts

The first National Seminar on Productivity in Healthcare was organised in 2014.

Submissions for the HIP Medals were assessed on the following criteria: Problem definition; Project definition and scope; Quality
of project idea/concept; Innovation; Impact; Sustainability; Learning Value; and Presentation.

1
Robert Chew is Chairman, Silver Industry Standards Committee, SPRING Singapore.
2
Gran Henriks is Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Learning and Innovation, Qulturum, Jnkping County FOR MORE INFORMATION!
Council, Sweden. Visit http://www.aic.sg/nsph2016 to
3
Professor Michael Porter is Bishop William Lawrence University Professor, Harvard Business School, download the speakers presentations.
United States of America.
4
Professor Hum Sin Hoon is Deputy Dean, Department of Decision Sciences, National University of
Singapore Business School.
5
Professor Jonathon Gray is Director, Ko Awatea, Counties Manukau Health, New Zealand. More photos at:
6
To read about the six strategies Professor Porter shared, download his presentation slides in the link at http://www.aic.sg/mosaic/gallery/jan17
the end of the article.
7
An IPU brings together the full range of providers and support staff who address a specific disease or
clinical condition.
 REFLECTIONS January 2017 10

COMPASSION AND CARE:

VENERABLE SIK KWANG SHENG

In this section, we speak with pioneers and leaders in the Community

Care sector. For this issue, we caught up with Venerable Sik Kwang
Sheng, Abbot, Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery (KMSPKS);
Vice President, Singapore Buddhist Federation; Founder, Buddhist
College of Singapore; and Chairman, Bright Hill Evergreen Home
(BHEH). He shares about the beginnings of BHEH and his vision for
the Community Care sector.

Venerable Kwang Sheng has been the Abbot of KMSPKS since 2004 and has
been integral in the development of BHEHs services as Chairman of its Board.
(Photo credit: Bright Hill Evergreen Home)

Can you please share about why KMSPKS started BHEH and
about some of the Monasterys current involvement in the
Home?
My late Master, Venerable Seck Hong Choon, the former Abbot of
KMSPKS, was far-sighted and anticipated Singapores ageing
population. In 1983, BHEH was constructed within the Monasterys
premises to care for retired workers with no family members in
Singapore (i.e., Samsui women and Amahs).
The 68-bed Home initially provided vegetarian meals. However, my
Master was compassionate and appreciated the fact that not all
residents would be able to accept a full vegetarian diet and hence,
decided not to have this restriction.
When it was decided that there would be a need to build a
Buddhist College in the Monastery, the nursing home was relocated
to its current site in Punggol with the governments help. Although
the Home is no longer in the Monastery, we are still very involved in
it. Our staff serve on its Board and we also help with fundraising
and volunteer support. In November 2015, over $900,000 was
raised in just one event. Whenever I visit and see happy residents
and staff, it makes all the effort worth it.
With manpower posing a challenge to the sector, one
strategy Community Care partners can adopt is growing a
volunteer pool to augment activities for clients. What
strategies can be used to keep volunteers engaged?
We have two types of volunteers Board Members who enhance
BHEHs management practices and community volunteers. We are
constantly in touch with them, even when they are not actively
volunteering. We share our challenges, never hesitating to ask for
help. They can see for themselves the differences they make, which
motivates them.
How do you envision Singapores future Community Care
sector?
The Community Care sector has come a long way, with
improvements achieved through dedication and hard work. With
a more educated and affluent society, its a matter of time before
we explore developing retirement and assisted living village
models such as those in Japan and Australia. However, we need
to strike a balance as we have limited funds and resources.
To improve our care, we need to be open to feedback and change
for the better. Our biggest rewards are the happy faces of the
elderly and seeing them reintegrate well back into the community.
Could you please share some personal philosophies that you
think will help us age well?
We need to build a compassionate and caring society. Singapore
grows and prospers because our citizens love and care for each
other regardless of race and religion. Live a good and healthy life.
At a certain age, let go of the burdens of your past and start afresh.
Keep an active mind; helping others can also help us better take
care of ourselves. In life, there will be ups and downs, so take
challenges as a learning process and remember to always look for
the silver lining in every cloud.
 IMPROVEMENTS
FOLLOW YOUR HEART:
FINDING PURPOSE IN
YOUR LIFE AND WORK
In Follow Your Heart: Finding Purpose in Your Life and Work, bestselling author
Andrew Matthews offers 10 practical tips to change your outlook on life and how
you relate to the world.
1. Learn from Every Challenge
Challenges can offer some of lifes
biggest lessons. Benefit from them by
asking what you can learn from each
situation.
2. Make the Effort
Every effort, coupled with patience, can
lead to better results (e.g., being tenacious
when facing obstacles can lead to a
projects success). Be systematic and
self-disciplined in your approach.
3. Change Your Beliefs
Go beyond your personal limits by:
Looking at things from a different
perspective;
Not letting yourself be defined by a
category (e.g., your age); and
Believing that every cloud has a silver
lining.
4. Be Detached but Determined
When you are trying to attain something,
be in control of your emotions and dont
take things personally. Instead, be
determined if you have not yet achieved
it, move forward and try again.
5. Think Positively
When challenges occur, examine what
other opportunities they may offer. Reflect
on what you have in life, and be thankful.
Additionally, focus on the positive aspects
of people rather than looking for their faults.
6. Do What You Love
Find meaning and excitement in your work by:
Doing what gives you fulfilment;
Giving your best; and
Finding joy in helping and connecting
with people (e.g., by teaching others).
7. Stop Thinking and Start Doing
Starting on a task can help you feel even
more motivated. Step out of your comfort
zone and meet people who will challenge
you. To perform better, live in the present
moment and dont overthink situations.
8. Find Inner Peace
Achieve inner peace by:
Making relaxation a daily habit (e.g.,
meditate every day);
Giving your fullest attention to each
task; and
Visiting relaxing places.
http://www.aic.sg/mosaic 11
9. Love Yourself and Others
Aim for improvement rather than perfection,
and let every obstacle make you stronger.
Accept people for who they are by first
accepting yourself. Forgive others and
appreciate and support your loved ones.
10. Change from Within
Focus on changing yourself by transforming
your perspective rather than trying to
change those around you. Consequently,
you will see that life is not a struggle but a
challenge that enables you to grow.
Listen to Andrew Matthews
tips on achieving success
and peace of mind at
http://goo.gl/pQWjpl.
Watch a short video on framing
your attitude positively at
http://goo.gl/qtuCLr.
More photos at:
http://www.aic.sg/mosaic/gallery/jan17
 NEWSBYTES January 2017 12

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE
Our heartiest congratulations to outstanding Community Care staff and organisations who were recognised at award ceremonies between
July to November 2016.

ILTC Manpower Development Awards (25 August 2016)

(L-R) Dr Do Su Ern, HCA Hospice Care (Community Care GP Partnership

Training Award) and Noor Kesuma Binte Manap, St. Andrews Community
100 nurses from the healthcare sector were recognised at the Nurses Merit
Hospital (ILTC Upgrading Programme), were among the recipients
Award ceremony.
presented their awards by Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of
(Photo credit: Ministry of Health)
the Environment and Water Resources and Ministry of Health.

Nurses Merit Award (19 July 2016) The annual ILTC Manpower Development Awards Ceremony
recognises recipients who received study awards to upgrade their
The Nurses Merit Award is presented annually by the Ministry of skills and knowledge. In 2016, 98 awardees were recognised:
Health to nurses who have demonstrated consistent and For Students
outstanding performance, participated in professional development,
Award Details No. of
and made contributions to promote the nursing profession. Recipients
15 Community Care nurses were recognised: Balaji Sadasivan For students pursuing Nursing 15
Jasmine Tan Siew Ngoh Pamela Koh Wen Xin Study Award or Allied Health careers in
Senior Staff Nurse/Clinical Staff Nurse, Community Care.
Instructor, St Lukes Hospital Dover Park Hospice Mid-Term For students pursuing careers 6
Kimberly Lim Sze Cheng Rodona Dela Paz Labuanan Scholarship for as Medical Social Workers in
Senior Staff Nurse, Yishun Infection Control Nurse Medical Social Work Community Care.
Community Hospital (Nursing Officer),
For Healthcare Staff
Lai Mee Horng Bright Vision Hospital
Senior Nurse Clinician, Award Details No. of
Seah Baojuan Recipients
Assisi Hospice Nurse Manager,
Community Care For doctors pursuing additional 13
Lai Siew Fung Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital
GP Partnership training to better serve elderly in
Senior Staff Nurse, National Siong Meei Jeng Training Award Community Care.
Kidney Foundation (NKF) Nurse Manager,
ILTC Upgrading For Community Care 14
Lew Sow Peng HCA Hospice Care
Programme professionals pursuing a
Senior Staff Nurse, St. Stephen Tan Teck Kwang Nursing or Allied Health degree.
Andrews Community Hospital Senior Nurse Manager,
Social & Health For staff pursuing advanced 50 staff
Lu Meihua Lucy Ang Mo Kio Thye Hua Kwan
Manpower Development skills training in elderly and from 21
Advanced Clinical Nurse, NKF Hospital
Programme ILTC continuing care. organisations
Mah Sui Har Bernadette Tang Yip Chong (SHMDP-ILTC)
Nurse Clinician, Principal Staff Nurse,
All Saints Home Bright Hill Evergreen Home
FOR MORE INFORMATION!
Manisah Bte Marseety Zhang Danyang
Contact Kelvin Liew at
Principal Enrolled Nurse, Staff Nurse, Ling Kwang
kelvin.liew@aic.sg.
Jurong Community Hospital Home for Senior Citizens (LKH)
 http://www.aic.sg/mosaic 13

This was the first year that LKH received SHMDP-ILTC

Singapore Health Age-Friendly Awards 2016
awards. mosAIC caught up with the team to find out
(8 November 2016)
what motivated them to put in their application and how
they plan to put their new knowledge into practice.
Organised by SingHealth, the Singapore Health Age-Friendly Awards
annually recognises healthcare professionals for their efforts in making
their institutions more age-friendly in terms of processes, people, policies,
and infrastructure.Six Community Care organisations received 15 awards
for their outstanding projects:
Service Improvement and Experience Patient Safety
Ang Mo Kio Thye Hua Kwan Hospital Man Fut Tong Nursing Home
Bright Vision Hospital Orange Valley Nursing Homes
National Kidney Foundation Ren Ci Hospital
Ren Ci Hospital

Honouring a Pioneer in Geriatric Medicine

(L-R) Goh Yiqing, Social Work Assistant; Belina Lee, Director of Our heartiest congratulations to Associate Professor Pang Weng Sun1!
Nursing; Chew Jee Eng, Nurse Manager; Llego Cecilia Macayaon,
Physiotherapist; and Dennis Tan, CEO. On 17 August 2016, Associate Professor Pang was conferred the
National Outstanding Clinician Educator Award at the National Medical
After working in Community Care for several years, I realised Excellence Awards.
that passion is not enough to make a difference. Since my The Award recognises individuals who have contributed substantially to
degree was from a different field, I wanted to learn technical the training of clinicians and/or clinician scientists through mentorship
skills to better equip myself. I hope to bring social work or academic positions.
theories and best practices of other organisations back to
LKH so that residents are able to age well and we can focus
on partnering families and caregivers for care provision.
Goh Yiqing, Social Work Assistant (Commenced her
Masters in Social Work at UniSIM in 2016).
We applied for an attachment to help us better understand
our elderlys needs and to develop a dementia model of care
in LKH. The experience showed us how as a learning
organisation, BaptistCare* implemented a customised and
consistent dementia model of care across their different Associate Professor
centres. Their perspectives towards dementia was Pang Weng Sun (right)
received the National
refreshing residents are not seenas difficult but rather,
Outstanding Clinician
having unmet needs. One paradigm shift for our staff is to Educator Award from
recognise that LKH is a home for our residents and we have Gan Kim Yong, Minister
to help them function as independently as possible. We also for Health.
saw a clear focus on quality of care, quality of life, and (Photo credit: National
person-centred care, which we aim to translate into practice Healthcare Group)
at ward level for both our clients and staff.
Belina Lee, Director of Nursing; Chew Jee Eng, Nurse 1
Associate Professor Pang Weng Sun is Chairman, Medical Board, Yishun Community
Manager; LIego Cecilia Macayaon, Physiotherapist; and Hospital and Vice-Dean, Clinical Affairs, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang
Dennis Tan, CEO (Participated in a Dementia Care Clinical Technological University.
Attachment at BaptistCare, Australia in 2016).

*BaptistCare is a not-for-profit Christian-based care organisation More photos at:

in Australia that has been serving the aged and people living with http://www.aic.sg/mosaic/gallery/jan17
disadvantage for over 70 years.
(Source: http://baptistcare.org.au/about-baptistcare)
 NEWSBYTES January 2017 14

DEVELOPING A SHARED VISION OF QUALITY:

COMMUNITY CARE RETREAT ON QUALITY 2016
Insights from the Retreat
Leveraging the House of Quality approach, four main themes to
improve quality of care emerged. They include:

Arising from
Theme
Building Blocks

Culture:
Building a strong safety and quality People
culture within organisations, with Leadership and
deep QI expertise, leadership Governance
support, and ways to recognise Learning and innovation
quality care.

Participants discussed various key areas to embark on for their quality Measurement and Planning:
improvement initiatives. Cultivating an open and learning People
mindset in measuring quality, and Strategy and
Some 100 leaders from 60 Community Care partner organisations having guidance on how to use Knowledge
gathered for the Community Care Retreat on Quality on 4 August data from quality indicators for Learning and Innovation
2016. A culmination to quality improvement (QI) focus group planning, improvement, and
discussions held earlier in the year, the Retreat explored key areas engagement.
to better support and sustain quality care and discussed how
the sector can more cohesively undertake the QI journey
Continuous Improvement,
together.
Diffusion, and Sustainment:
Sharing and learning from one People
anothers successes and areas for Learning and Innovation
improvement in QI, and to better Processes
spread and sustain QI efforts.

The House of Quality
framework identifies six key
areas which Community
Care partners can work on
to improve quality of care.
Customer Experience:
Improving clients and caregivers People
experiences, particularly during Processes
care transition across different Customer Experience
services and facilities.

House of Quality Framework

For the first time, participants discussed and generated
suggestions to key areas (or building blocks) using the House of experience at the Retreat, one participant said, Breaking the
Quality framework. The framework identifies six building blocks
(People, Learning and Innovation, Customer Experience,
Processes, Strategy and Knowledge, Leadership and Governance)
to improve the sectors quality of care. It was developed by service
partners, with advice from the Strategic Advisory Committee for
Quality Improvement for ILTC (SAC-QI)1.
1
The SAC-QI advises AIC on the adequacy and efficacy of its efforts to bring
about QI in the Community Care sector. The Committee comprises senior
management from various healthcare organisations and is currently chaired by
Chua Song Khim, CEO, NTUC Health.
Following the Retreat, focus groups have been formed to
co-develop and implement solutions. Sharing about their
House of Quality up into smaller blocks help[ed] everyone
understand the direction we are heading. Another added, [It was]
a well-orchestrated retreat to align the sector. AIC is taking a step in
the right direction and we hope the platform [i.e., the taskforce to
drive improvement efforts in the four main themes] discussed will be
implemented.
FOR MORE INFORMATION!
Contact the ILTC Quality, Innovation & Productivity
Division at quality@aic.sg.
 http://www.aic.sg/mosaic 15

HIRING ELDERCARE PARTNERING GPs FOR

TRAINED HELPERS CARERS
CORNER
DIABETES PREVENTION

As part of the STOP

Rusmini (right) attended
the Basic Eldercare
Course and now feels
more confident caring
for 74-year-old Madam
Lee Ah Moy.
(Source: The Straits
Times Singapore
Press Holdings Ltd.
Reproduced with
permission.)
Families who require eldercare trained helpers can now hire them in a
week. Launched on 1 November 2016, the Eldercarer Foreign Domestic
Worker (FDW) Scheme, provides families with access to helpers who
have undergone a basic eldercare course in topics such as:
Understanding ageing and chronic diseases;
Communicating with seniors; and
Providing care (monitoring and understanding vital signs,
transferring, grooming, providing appropriate nutrition, serving
medication, etc.)
Upon placement, helpers receive three hours of onsite training at the
care recipients home. Families may tap on the Caregivers Training
Grant1 (CTG) to offset up to $200 of the training fees under the
Eldercarer FDW Scheme (fees range between $200-$500).
Eldercare-trained helpers can be employed from:
Active Global Specialised Caregivers (Tel: 6536 0086);
Homekeeper International (Tel: 6462 6315);
Hon Employment Services (Tel: 6445 2587); and
Patience Employment Agency (Tel: 6458 3313).
Those with existing helpers may also enrol them in the basic eldercare
course by contacting the following providers directly:
Ang Mo Kio Thye Hua Kwan Hospital (Tel: 6450 6129);
Centre for Seniors (Tel: 6478 5476); and
The Salvation Army Peacehaven Nursing Home (Tel: 6384 2180).
1
To be eligible for the CTG, care recipients must be Singaporeans or Permanent
Residents, be above the age of 65 or have a disability as certified through a
doctor/valid functional assessment report. Participants must also complete the
course.
Diabetes screening
programme,
Dr Theresa Yap
provides early
screening and
diabetes intervention
for her patients
next of kin.
(Photo credit:
SingHealth)
Today, one in three Singaporeans aged 60 and above live with
diabetes1. If left unchecked, nearly a million Singaporeans could
be affected by the disease in 2050.
To enable early detection and intervention of diabetes, since April
2016, SingHealth Regional Health System has partnered General
Practitioners (GPs) across Singapore to offer health screening2 for
the next of kin of individuals with Type 2 diabetes. Known as
STOP Diabetes, it aims to enable relatives of patients with diabetes
to embark on preventive healthcare to keep them healthy.
My late father had diabetes so getting screened regularly is
important for our family. Screening is just the first step though;
I also exercise at least three times a week and watch what I eat,
shared 64-year-old Tan Swee Lin.
Dr Theresa Yap, one of the 91 GPs who is part of the Programme,
said, Im a strong advocate of early screening. If an individual
knows that he is at risk of developing diabetes, he would be
spurred to do something to help himself and comply with the
recommended lifestyle changes.
1
Winning the War on Diabetes was one of the strategies identified by the Ministry
of Health to create a more sustainable healthcare system. For more information,
visit http://goo.gl/rsmTq9.
2
Screening is open to those aged 30 and above who do not have pre-diabetes or
diabetes mellitus. They will be screened for diabetes, high blood pressure, high
cholesterol, and obesity.
FOR MORE INFORMATION!
To sign up for screening, contact 6702 5485/5486/
5487 or stopdiabetes@singhealth.com.sg.
GPs keen to join the programme can also get in
touch via the above contact details.

FOR MORE INFORMATION! More photos at:

Contact the Singapore Silver Line at http://www.aic.sg/mosaic/gallery/jan17
1800 650 6060.
 NEWSBYTES January 2017 16

WE WANT YOUR SECTORS

SUBMISSIONS!
Share your initiatives and stories with mosAIC readers! Contact us at mosaic@aic.sg. SHARING

A FLAIR FOR SKIN CARE FOOD, FUN AND

Contributed by Villa Francis Home for the Aged FRIENDSHIP!
Winner, ILTC Excellence Awards 2016 Clinical Quality Improvement category
Contributed by Sister Marjorie Almodiel,
Centre Manager, Apex Day Rehabilitation
Physiological changes, together with reduced mobility and multiple co-morbidities increase Centre For Elderly
the risk of the elderly developing skin problems such as pruritus, dermatitis, fungal infections,
scabies, and shingles. These often require review by a medical practitioner or dermatologist. Clients at Apex Day Rehabilitation Centre
In 2013, we noted that we were making an average of 21 dermatologist-related referrals For Elderly (ADRC) had a fun time on
monthly (15% of our total number of residents). To address this, we initiated a project in 10 October 2016. It was Carnival Day! This
collaboration with our volunteer doctor, Dr Martin Chio, Senior Consultant, National Skin was the ninth time that the ADRC
Centre. management, staff and volunteers have
organised this annual event.
Each client was provided $20 worth of
coupons to spend on food and games.

Nursing staff discussing treatment options to alleviate residents skin problems.

(Photo credit: Villa Francis Home for the Aged)

We assessed and analysed the issue according to the Plan-Do-Check-Act1 (PDCA) cycle.
Thereafter, we:
Conducted training to better equip nurses with knowledge and expertise on skin
problem management;
Evaluated and revised existing treatment and workflows for common skin
At the games booths, clients showed their
problems; and
competitive streak, eagerly collecting points
Added four types of skin creams2 to the ward inventory to better address the skin issues.
to exchange for prizes. Even so, one client
As a result of the project, the total number of dermatologist referrals reduced from 254 helped a friend who had spent all his
cases in 2013 to 225 (11.4% reduction) in 2014. In 2015, there was further reduction of coupons on games by treating him to lunch.
cases by 13%. The training provided to nurses has also helped with early identification and
Aside from the joyous atmosphere, the
intervention to provide better skin care to residents. Besides teleconsultations, messaging
Carnival aimed to provide clients the
services like Whatsapp are also used to expedite referrals, when necessary, shared Susan
opportunity to practise their decision
Gui, Nursing Director.
making skills and how to budget, a form
1
The PDCA (also known as the Plan-Do-Study-Act) cycle is shorthand for testing a change by developing a
of fun cognitive therapy.
plan to test the change, carrying out the test, observing and learning from the consequences, and I always look forward to the in-house
determining what modifications should be made to the test.
(Source: http://www.ihi.org/resources/pages/tools/plandostudyactworksheet.aspx).
carnival. Due to my disability, I had to be
2
The four skin creams included Betamethasone 0.025%, 0.05%; Betamethasone 0.025% + Clioquinol 3.0%; careful in selecting the games so that I
2% Miconazole Cream; and Malathion lotion. would not waste money, shared Tan Soh

Clients could choose from a wide array of
delicious treats and snacks available that day.
(Photo credit: Apex Day Rehabilitation Centre
For Elderly)
66-year-old Tookiat
Too trying her hand at
a hoop-throwing
game.
(Photo credit: Apex
Day Rehabilitation
Centre For Elderly)
Leng, 75. Another client, Quan Sook Ching,
92, added, It was very fun $20 worth of
coupons was more than enough for me. I
spent the money mostly on food.
A lucky draw with attractive prizes to be
won capped off the day. Clients attentively
listened as the winning numbers were
called.
They amazed us when they remembered
their numbers, some of which were at least
four-digits long It made our day to see
clients enjoying themselves, counting their
coupons as they played games, shared
Nellie Goh, Administrative Assistant.
http://www.aic.sg/mosaic 17
MAKING WISHES KNOWN
Contributed by NTUC Health
Nobody knows what the
future holds. We cannot
predict what might become
of our health, but we can
always plan ahead so that
our wishes can be known.
This was the objective when
NTUC Health Nursing Home
(Jurong West) began the
AdvanceCare Planning
(ACP) programme1 with our
residents between December
2015 and May 2016.
Over a course of five
sessions, 11 residents were
guided through ACP-related
discussions, led by AICs ACP team together with our homes nurses and therapists.
Sessions included activities like arts and craft to enable residents to express themselves
through drawing.
Topics explored included their personal values, goals, and preferences in life, and who they
might want as their Nominated Healthcare Spokesperson (NHS) in the event of a healthcare
crisis. This information, together with their stories and wishes, were then penned in a journal
which residents kept.
For some elderly,
discussions about end-of-life
care and wishes can be
sensitive. However, such
information is essential, for
their loved ones and
healthcare staff to ensure
that the provided care is
based on their wishes.
Ng Chor Keng, a resident,
shared, I really enjoyed the
arts and craft activities as I
felt that they were very
meaningful. I think that it was
a good initiative by NTUC
Health, as it is important for
people to prepare their
end-of-life wishes and
preferences for care in
advance. I am glad that I
NTUC Health Nursing Home (Jurong West) residents shared their was able to participate.
values and wishes in life through activities like arts and craft.
(Photo credit: NTUC Health)
1
For more information about Advance Care Planning,
visit http://www.livingmatters.sg.
More photos at:
http://www.aic.sg/mosaic/gallery/jan17
 NEWSBYTES January 2017 18

WE WANT YOUR SECTORS

SUBMISSIONS!
Share your initiatives and stories with mosAIC readers! Contact us at mosaic@aic.sg. SHARING

A WORTHY EXERCISE WHETTING

Contributed by National Kidney Foundation APPETITES
Winner, ILTC Excellence Awards 2016 Productivity and Innovation category
Contributed by The Salvation Army
Peacehaven Nursing Home
Dysphagia, or swallowing difficulties, is a
severe condition that occurs as a result of
ageing-related diseases. It can cause
complications such as choking,
dehydration, malnutrition, unintentional
weight loss, aspiration, and aspiration
pneumonia.
Often, pured diets are recommended for
dysphagic clients. However, as liquid is
added to achieve the needed consistency,
it reduces nutrient density in the food. With
the elderly generally experiencing a
decrease in appetite and food
consumption, clients who require such
diets may hence be at risk of malnutrition.
To address this, in February 2016, we
carried out a one-month trial to assess the
impact of ready-to-eat functional foods1 on
Participating in NKFs various exercise opportunities has enhanced patients overall wellbeing. weight improvement. Selected residents on
(Photo credit: National Kidney Foundation) pured diets were provided functional foods
to replace their three main meals and two
When Eu Aik Wah was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease five years ago, he felt very snacks. Their weight and body mass index
depressed. Fortunately, after joining National Kidney Foundations (NKF) Exercise Platform (BMI) before and after the trial were then
programme, his health improved and his spirits were lifted. Now, I can easily do 20 squats compared.
at a go. I feel empowered each time the Exercise Specialist teaches me new exercises to
strengthen my lower limbs, he said.
This exercise programme was introduced in 2014 to address our patients physical inactivity,
resulting from their reduced physical capacity, treatment, and general sedentary lifestyle. It
complements treatment, medication, and diet to help them better care for themselves.
We provide various opportunities for patients to exercise regularly. These include:
Customised home-based exercise programmes;
Supervised group exercise classes where patients from different centres come
together to bond and interact;
Dialysis centre exercise corners and video screenings so patients can exercise
before and after dialysis; and
Outdoor exercise events.
Findings from our pilot study comprising 33 patients showed significant improvement 68%
felt happier and 73% saw improvement in daily functional activities. Desmond Ang, Manager,
Exercise and Fitness department, shared, Although it was not easy to promote physical
exercise to dialysis patients, seeing them benefit from the programmes keeps me going.
Life these days is different for Aik Wah. Employed now as a Patient Exercise Assistant at
1
Functional foods deliver enhanced benefits above
their basic nutritional value. Food fortifications may
NKF, he helps other patients better benefit from exercise. The programme has also include more energy/protein per serving (as
provided him with a stepping stone to a new healthcare career he will soon be enrolling in compared to a serving of regular food), which may
a Therapy Assistant course. be effective in combating weight loss.

Some of the functional food offered by the Home
include four types of Vegetable Pudding and
Smooth Porridge.
(Photo credit: The Salvation Army Peacehaven
Nursing Home)
Results of the Trial:
More than 70% of residents averaged
1 kg of weight gain;
Residents were generally satisfied
with the texture, colour, and flavour of
these meals; and
Our nurses found that residents also
ate better, especially with the inclusion
of new and different flavours.
Marsha Tan, Dietitian, shared, With
nutrient-dense food, our residents expend
less effort to finish their meals. They are
now eating better and its very encouraging
to see them enjoying their meals!
Mr Ng, 63, enjoying a bowl of
Smooth Porridge as part of the
initiative to provide
nutrient-dense functional foods
to dysphagic residents.
(Photo credit: The Salvation Army
Peacehaven Nursing Home)
http://www.aic.sg/mosaic 19
HONING LEGAL
KNOWLEDGE
Contributed by All Saints Home
Seminar attendees enjoying a light-hearted moment while learning about legal matters relevant
to the Community Care sector.
(Photo credit: Pro Bono Services Office)
With nursing homes (NHs) facing increasingly complex cases, having a good grounding in
legal matters and where to seek further legal assistance is of utmost importance.
On 14 October 2016, our Tampines branch hosted the inaugural Seminar on Legal Issues
in Nursing Homes, which was attended by 150 representatives from NHs, Ministry of
Health, and AIC.
During the seminar, areas covered included an overview of the:
Mental Capacity Act1 and its recent changes;
Vulnerable Adults Bill2;
Lasting Power of Attorney3;
Maintenance of Parents Act4; and
Services provided by the Law Society of Singapores Pro Bono Services Office
(PBSO) and the Legal Aid Bureau (LAB).
The seminar concluded with a lively panel discussion, where NH representatives shared
about some of the cases they have encountered and sought advice from the panel on
possible next steps. On hand to share their knowledge were representatives from the
PBSO, LAB, and Office of the Public Guardian.
[The seminar offered] a good overview of issues and challenges that we can possibly face.
It was useful and relevant to the Community Care sector, shared Hudson Teh, Senior
Finance Manager, Ling Kwang Home for Senior Citizens. Most attendees also echoed this
sentiment, with some requesting for focus group discussions on legal matters to be formed.
1
Download a copy of the Mental Capacity Act at http://goo.gl/12EDnx.
2
Download a copy of the Vulnerable Adults Bill at http://goo.gl/zb1RuY.
3
For more information on the Lasting Power of Attorney, visit http://goo.gl/uKHryD.
4
Download a copy of the Maintenance of Parents Act at http://goo.gl/2HtCiX.
More photos at:
http://www.aic.sg/mosaic/gallery/jan17
 NEWSBYTES January 2017 20

WE WANT YOUR
SUBMISSIONS! Contact mosaic@aic.sg to announce new appointments to key leadership positions in your organisation.

KEY APPOINTMENTS TEST YOUR

IN THE SECTOR
Find out how leaders holding new positions hope to contribute to the
Community Care sector.
(Photo credit: Orange Valley)
KNOWLEDGE!
Take part and win up to $30
Dr Chan Kay Fei, Chief Executive Officer
worth of NTUC vouchers!
Orange Valley (OV) (September 2016)
Questions:
My earliest exposure to the Community Care sector was
in the 1970s when my grandmother had a serious stroke.
Seeing how a fiercely independent lady became bedridden
$10 vouchers to be won!
was life-changing for me. 1) Which of the following study awards in the
Before joining OV, I was the [immediate past] Head of Tan ILTC Manpower Development Awards are
Tock Seng Hospitals Rehabilitation Medicine Department intended for students?
and Co-Director of the Rehabilitation Research Institute of a. Mid-Term Scholarship for Medical Social Work
Singapore. I continue to serve today as medical advisor to b. ILTC Upgrading Programme
St Lukes Hospital and Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital. c. All of the above
My aim for OV is to be more responsive and dynamic to 2) How many building blocks are there in the
better address the sectors changing needs. I am also House of Quality framework?
interested in the prevention and management of pre-frailty
and providing more transitional and home-based care. a. Four b. Five c. Six
3) Exercise Platform by National Kidney
Linda Auyong, Director
Foundation includes exercise corners and
Community for Successful Ageing (ComSA)
video screenings at dialysis centres.
Tsao Foundation (September 2016)
a. True b. False
Most of my career has been in the Social Services. I
have had the privilege of serving beneficiaries in varied
settings, including as Head of Social Work, Movement
for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS) and
Director of Social and Community Services, The Bonus Activity:
Salvation Army. I am excited to be part of ComSA1 and One lucky winner will
look forward to engaging the community to co-develop it win an additional $20
as a replicable model of successful ageing. worth of vouchers!

(Photo credit: Tsao Foundation) Step 1: Capture a

group photo with this
Ling Bee Sian, Director of Nursing issue of mosAIC.
Pearls Hill Care Home (PHCH) (September 2016) Step 2: Tell us what
Having cared for the elderly as a nurse since 1974, I you liked and what
have a soft spot for them and it was this love that has can be improved
spurred me on until today. It warms my heart to see about this issue.
their smiles and knowing my hard work has paid off.
Currently, we have many projects at PHCH focusing
on engaging youths and I hope that more young
people will join us in fostering a loving environment for
the elderly. My vision is to build a great team that
serves with joy and loves and respects the elderly.
(Photo credit: Ling Bee Sian)
Send your entries to mosaic@aic.sg with the
1
ComSA is a community-wide initiative that promotes health and wellbeing over the life course, and
subject header mosAIC #27 Quiz, together
enables ageing in place. For more information, visit with your name, designation, organisation, and
http://www.tsaofoundation.org/what-we-do/comsa/about-comsa. mobile number. Winners will be notified by email!
 http://www.aic.sg/mosaic 21

STAMPING
OUT STIGMA
To commemorate World Mental Health Day
(10 October 2016), a series of events
including a mass walk (Walk With Us
Stamp Out Stigma), a carnival, and talks
were organised. These aimed to raise
awareness on the importance of mental
health at three levels:
Self: Being aware and mindful of ones
mental wellbeing;
Family and Friends: Being able to
identify signs and symptoms of others
mental health conditions; and
Community: Knowing that mental health
resources and services are available
within neighbourhoods.
The walk, held on 8 October, was led by
Guest of Honour Mdm Halimah Yacob,
Speaker of Parliament and Member of
Parliament for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC. She
was joined by over 1,000 participants,
many of whom are living with mental health
conditions. Their participation aimed to
CARE
IN
MIND
draw attention to the importance of mental
health awareness and to destigmatise
mental health conditions.
Facilitated by AIC, these events were the
first ground-up coordinated collaboration
among multiple agencies, restructured
hospitals, and community partners,
signifying closer partnerships to raise
mental health awareness and provide
better support for clients, caregivers, and
the community.

Launch of the new Mental Health

Awareness logo
The logo, launched as part of the
festivities, will provide an overarching
identity for all mental health publicity and
Guest of Honour Mdm Halimah Yacob (second from the right), Speaker of Parliament and Member of awareness raising events in Singapore.
Parliament for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC, leading the mass walk down Orchard Road.

MENTAL HEALTH KNOWLEDGE FOR

COMMUNITY PHARMACISTS
Pharmacists have been partnering the Community Care sector since 2014 through the
Pharmaceutical Care Programme1. In 2016, this collaboration was furthered through an
initiative with the Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore to equip community pharmacists
with mental health knowledge and skills to:
Recognise clients mental health needs; and
Support them and their caregivers by providing resources and linkage to appropriate
services.
Guardian is collaborating with AIC on this pilot and has also been linked to Alzheimers
Disease Association (ADA). ADA will provide opportunities for pharmacists to participate in Guardians pharmacists undergoing awareness
their activities to further learn how to engage people living with dementia and provide training to better attend to clients with mental
medication management services. health conditions living in the community.

1
The Pharmaceutical Care Programme (PCP) aims to
enhance medication management in nursing homes and
centre-based facilities through consultations with registered
pharmacists. Services offered under the PCP include FOR MORE INFORMATION! More photos at:
helping to standardise work processes such as preparation Contact Sudha Selvam at http://www.aic.sg/mosaic/gallery/jan17
and administration of medication and conducting sudha.selvam@aic.sg.
medication reconciliation to minimise polypharmacy.
 NEWSBYTES January 2017 22

NEW NI-IELP MEDICATION QUICK BYTES

MODULE LAUNCHED!
APPLY TODAY!
Tote Board Community Healthcare Fund
(TBCHF)
Application Project
Closing Dates Commencement

31 Mar 2017, 5pm From 1 Aug 2017

31 Jul 2017, 5pm From 1 Dec 2017
30 Nov 2017, 5pm From 1 Apr 2018

FOR MORE INFORMATION!

Visit http://www.aic.sg/tbchf or contact
the TBCHF Secretariat at tbchf@aic.sg.

Input from the sector was important to ensure the module could meet the
needs of nursing homes.

The National ILTC IT Enablement Programme1 (NI-IELP) launched

OFFICIAL OPENINGS
its latest module medication management at NTUC Health Pearls Hill Care Home
Nursing Home (Jurong West) [NTUC Health] and Jamiyah Nursing 28 September 2016
Home (JNH) in November 2016. The 130-bed home is the first nursing
Beginning with NTUC Health on 14 November, some of the home operated by Vanguard
immediate benefits shared by staff include: Healthcare, which was set up by the
Ministry of Health (MOH) and MOH
The ability to see clearly what medication is due as it is (Photo credit: Holdings in 2015. More information at
displayed on the screen during medication administration rounds; Vanguard Healthcare) http://www.carehome.com.sg.
and
Easy identification of overdue medication with the aid of
Yishun Community Hospital
colour coding, so that Registered Nurses can promptly follow up
with residents.
28 November 2016
The 428-bed hospital provides
The electronic platform also offers other advantages. Dr James rehabilitative, sub-acute, dementia, and
Cheong, NTUC Health, shared, Electronic input ensures legibility of palliative care to help patients rehabilitate
prescriptions and reduces risks of medical errors. [In addition], and ease their transition back home.
displaying residents details in the prescription page providesease More information at
(Photo credit:
in verifying correct and appropriate prescriptions. Yishun Community Hospital) http://www.yishuncommunityhospit
Staff from the soon-to-be launched NTUC Health Nursing Home al.com.sg.
(Chai Chee) were also present to observe the medication module
implementation as they will be using it when their operations
commence in mid-January 2017.
THIRD MEMORANDUM OF
Watch this space to find out about JNH staffs experiences in
implementing the medication module in the next issue of mosAIC!
UNDERSTANDING (MOU)
AIC signed the third MOU with the
1
NI-IELP is a national Information Technology platform launched in August 2014 Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore
to enhance care provision and boost operational efficiency in nursing homes. (PSS) on 30 September 2016 for PSS
to provide pharmaceutical care and
advisory support to nursing homes.
FOR MORE INFORMATION!
Contact James Kuan at james.kuan@aic.sg
Contact Doris Yeo at
or Ash Ang at ash.ang@aic.sg. doris.yeo@aic.sg for more
information.
 REGULAR READS* http://www.aic.sg/mosaic 23

COMMUNITY CAF TOOLKIT:

YOUR MANUAL AND TOOLS FOR
ESTABLISHING A CAF FOR PEOPLE
LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
by Alzheimers Australia, New South Wales. (2016)
(Accessed: 1 December 2016)
Read the full article at: http://www.fightdementia.org.au

This toolkit was developed as part of Alzheimers Australias Dementia-Friendly Communities Initiative and is based on the experiences of
Community Cafs across Australia and related literature review from Australia and internationally. It offers a guide on establishing/running
a Community Caf for persons with dementia (PWDs) and their carers and provides helpful resources such as checklists.

What are Community Cafs?
Community Cafs provide organised, regular get-togethers in relaxing
public spaces to assist PWDs and their carers combat feelings of
isolation through increased connections and social support.
Considerations Before Beginning
Need
Ascertain if a Caf is needed; if PWDs and their carers would
attend it; if there are sufficient participants; and possible language
barriers. Begin with at least eight participants (i.e., four pairs of
PWDs and their carers). This number may increase in time as a
result of word of mouth.
Frequency
In Australia, Cafs are typically held on the same time and day
monthly, for 90 minutes to two hours on weekday mornings as it is
a more convenient time for seniors. Choose less busy periods in
public spaces and schedule at least six months ahead to give
participants plenty of notice.
Format
Whether fixed or informal, enable participants to lead the activity
agenda (e.g., formal emotional support, talks by health
professionals, and information exchange).
Participants
It is best to target early to moderate-stage PWDs and their carers.
The group size also depends on factors such as available
volunteers, finances, and venue capacity.
Venue
Cafs, clubs, and community spaces are recommended, with
sessions usually held at the same location. Consider aspects such
as the preferred day and time, disability access, transport options,
and environment (i.e., layout, lighting, and ambience).
Cost
There may be costs for the venue, food and beverages, facilitator,
speaker, and publicity (e.g., flyers).
Facilitator
He/she could be a paid or volunteer facilitator and should be
equipped with the necessary skills.
Sustainability
To keep the Caf ongoing, establish a working group, have a few
healthcare professionals take on facilitator roles, recruit and train a
few facilitators, and encourage regular meetings.
Running a Community Caf
Before the first Caf of the year, book the venue for the first few
months; establish a participant contact list; allocate tasks;
prepare a Welcome Kit to help participants understand the
purpose of the Caf and know what to expect; and share a
newsletter with key information.
Before each Caf, send reminders to participants via email/call,
organise materials, and confirm the volunteers.
During the Caf, facilitators should welcome each participant
individually; introduce new participants; organise the food and
drink orders; encourage and provide time for participants to talk;
and look out for those who may feel left out or isolated.
After the Caf, conduct a debrief with facilitators and volunteers
to identify any issues. Every year, hand out a simple evaluation
form at the last two sessions.

*mosAICs Regular Reads aims to provide relevant, useful information to Community Care partners for the
improvement of their operations. This section features journal articles that highlight latest research findings More Regular Reads at:
as well as good, evidence-based and innovative practices. While the articles aim to keep Community Care http://www.aic.sg/mosaic/
partners informed of current developments in the sector, the views and opinions expressed or implied do not regular-reads
necessarily reflect those of AIC, its directors or editorial staff.
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Patient Safety Course Introduction to Caregiver Journey, Wellness Programme

(Foundation) Landscape and Resources Tai Chi for Health
Dates : 3 February 2017 (Run 6) Dates : 16 February 2017 (Run 2) Dates : 20-21 February 2017
10 March 2017 (Run 7) 6 March 2017 (Run 3) Time : 9am-5pm
27 March 2017 (Run 8) 28 March 2017 (Run 4) Duration : 2 days
Time : 9am-5pm Time : 9.30am-1.30pm
Duration : 1 day Duration : 0.5 day

Root Cause Analysis Skin Care Workshop for

Date : 24 February 2017 ILTC Sector Visit
Date : 21 March 2017 http://www.aic.sg/TrainingCalendar
Time : 8.30am-5.30pm
Time : 1.30pm-5pm or contact Jasmine Kam/Alice
Duration : 1 day
Duration : 3.5 hours Tao/Agnes Sobha at 6603 6877/6632
6281/6603 6845 for more information.

Get FREE Resources!

Nutrition Hand Hygiene Haze
Discover the latest Enhance your infection Get posters which offer
recipes produced for control measures with tips on how to manage
the Community Care these Hand Hygiene a haze outbreak at
Nutrition Movement as well as Infection http://www.moh.gov.
in 2016 at Prevention and Control sg/content/moh_we
http://www.aic.sg/for-community-car resources at b/home/Publications
e-partners/improve-quality-of-care/n http://www.aic.sg/for-community-ca /educational_resour
utrition-facts re-partners/resource-library/infectio ces/2014/haze-advis
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Agency for Integrated Care Tel: +65 6603 6800

5 Maxwell Road, #10-00 Fax: +65 6820 0735
Tower Block, MND Complex Email: mosaic@aic.sg
Singapore 069110 Web: http://www.aic.sg