Aged care around the globe

Poor care due to low fees

Thousands of people needing home care in the United Kingdom face an increased risk of poor service because of low fees paid by the National Health Service and local councils, reports the BBC.

Only one public authority in 20 pays enough to fund the minimum wage and other staff costs, meaning some home care providers struggle to find enough workers to support people with complex needs, while others face bankruptcy. The financial pressures that councils and the NHS are under means they are paying organisations less than the work actually costs, according to the Homecare Association, which represents UK home care providers.

The silent crisis of loneliness

New Zealand’s Aged Care Commissioner Carolyn Cooper has drawn attention to the plight of social isolation among the elderly, reports BNN.

It is a particular problem during the summer months when many older New Zealanders find themselves alone. The absence of social interaction during the summer season is largely due to families and friends being preoccupied or away on holiday. Ms Cooper has highlighted the detrimental mental and physical health effects of loneliness. In light of this, she has made an earnest appeal, urging people to check on elderly family members, friends, or neighbours and ensure they have plans and support during the summer months.

Aged care costs soar

Millions of American families are facing potential financial ruin as the escalating costs of in-home care, assisted-living facilities and aged care homes devour the savings of senior citizens and their relatives, reports The New York Times.

And the situation is only going to worsen. Roughly 10,000 boomers will turn 65 every day until 2030. With many expecting to live into their 80s and 90s, the prospect of dying broke looms as an imminent threat for the baby boomer generation. “People are exposed to the possibility of depleting almost all their wealth,” said a retirement policy expert.

Ageing population a growing concern

Pakistan’s ageing population – projected to double to 40 million by 2050 – underscores the need for post-retirement support due to its impact on health services and the prevalence of degenerative diseases, reports Pakistan Today.

As life expectancy increases above 70, the country’s ageing population faces numerous challenges. Ageing has vast implications for Pakistan’s economic, social and political spheres. Such concerns have led to calls for the government to urgently address population ageing efficiently and proactively by designing innovative policies to cater to the needs of seniors, including housing, employment, healthcare and social protection.

The struggles of spousal caregivers

According to a recent study, approximately one in 10 spouses in Finland is involved in caring for a partner with reduced functional ability, with a majority – 61 per cent – being over the age of 65, reports the Helsinki Times.

The study shows that some of these caregivers suffer from serious coping problems and may themselves need assistance. “If the caregiver’s health or ability to function deteriorates, it can limit their caregiving capacity, leaving the person in need without necessary care,” explains Anna-Mari Aalto, a leading expert at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.

Creating dementia-friendly public transport

A formal collaboration has been forged bid to make Singapore’s public transport system more dementia-friendly, reports Gov Insider.

The National Museum of Singapore, elder care provider the Agency for Integrated Care and the SMRT – which runs the nation’s train and bus networks – have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement covers five areas: public advocacy, employee training, service delivery, age- and dementia-friendly environmental designs, and corporate volunteerism. “Transport is a key focus area that affects the daily lives and activities of persons living with dementia,” said AIC’s Yen Theng See. “Helping them to travel safely and giving peace of mind to caregivers is important.”

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