Social work in eldercare

Social work in eldercare

Question 1

1. CPF

The CPF Life-Long Income for the elderly is a life insurance scheme developed to insure an individual from the age of 65 from poverty and ill-health by formulating a monthly payout plan. From the CPF statistics, there are 4 million registered members as of 2020. Of these, at least 1.99 million are active members. The interviews conducted were of two male individuals aged 67 and 70, and one woman aged 72.  The interviews attempted to understand the levels of awareness of the elderly on the CPF LIFE scheme and the questions or concerns they might have.

One of the interviewees acknowledged that they are aware of the scheme is an active member who receives an annual, monthly income from the insurance firm. The older woman said she was not aware of the scheme until it automatically placed her on the CPF LIFE plan. However, she acknowledged that the plan has been a savior towards her old age as she has an automated retirement account. One gentleman also appraised the plan as it has exempted him from setting aside retirement sums and health insecurities that arise during old age. The main question asked by the interviewees was on which CPF LIFE plan is better. They also inquired on the security of their details provided to the CPF board following incidences of scammers collecting personal data and SingPass of registered members. This was the major issue raised in common.

1. CPF LIFE analysis

CPF LIFE is unique compared to other pension schemes as it goes beyond providing its members with a secure income during retirement. Through its savings plan, it allows up to 90% of its members to own a home by avoiding paying rent during retirement. It also allows members to boost retirement income by unlocking the value of their property. The CPF LIFE further helps pay for medical expenses and insurance premiums, therefore protecting members from huge medical bills regardless of their health conditions. CPF LIFE also provides members with risk-free returns and government-guaranteed interest of up to 6% per year on their savings. It is also flexible as it allows a member to set aside the basic retirement sum and differ retirement incomes to a later age to get higher payouts. Furthermore, if a member dies, the money from CPF is distributed according to the member’s description and nominees during their lifetimes.

CPF LIFE is, therefore, an effective annuity plan. However, it has some limitations. First, its monthly payout is not fixed. This means that payouts can be adjusted to be in line with inflation making it difficult for members to make plans. Also, CPF LIFE only caters for members’ needs and has no actual plan for the dependents. The remaining sum of the premium will only be refunded to the dependents upon the death of a member.

Question 2

1. Subsidies and caregiving
2. The government Singapore government has implemented the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASA) program. This allows senior elders to enjoy up to 95% subsidies for the installation and improvement of items such as slip-resistant floors making their environments more elder-friendly.
3. The ministry of health in Singapore also implemented the caregiver support action plan in September 2018 to strengthen the capacity of senior caregiving services.
4. helping seniors age well in good health

The Singapore government has made public places more senior-friendly. To help the elderly lead active lives, modern infrastructure has been developed to be safer and friendlier with better amenities promoting the interests of the aging members of society. Sloping staircases in streets and public places have been developed to ease movement using wheelchairs. More benches with backrests have been installed in the streets for seniors to sit and stand easily.

The government is also promoting the employability of seniors. Under its labor laws, the government has pushed for the enhancement of the age limit for employment to accommodate seniors who would desire to work beyond the official retirement age. This helps the elderly remain active and financially independent. It gives seniors meaningful job opportunities with less intensity to ensure their health is safeguarded.

Question 3

1. Theories of aging
2. Disengagement theory. It explains that aging is an inevitable process that results in progressive disengagement from active participation in activities and interactions between an aging individual and society. It highlights the fact that one’s abilities deteriorate over time, making them lose ties with their social backgrounds.
3. Activity theory – It suggests that successful aging occurs when the elderly remain active and retain social interaction. It does not support the concept of natural disengagement from society during old age. Therefore, it does not subscribe to the social pressures that limit older persons from interacting with society.

• Continuity theory – it suggests that older adults tend to maintain the same personalities, behaviors, and social activities of the past. It is essential in helping people make decisions in the future by providing them with a reference foundation from the past.

1. Social Exchange Theory – it suggests that there is a perceived loss of power and social status that comes about during the aging process.
2. Application

The disengagement theory is essential in understanding the mental state of the elderly during the end of life care. As the individual gradually loses memory, they tend to forget easily and find it difficult to interact with members of society. Caregivers can, therefore, understand the process of disengagement. The activity theory has enabled the Singapore government to create job opportunities for the elderly, making them more useful and happy during their aging days. The government has modernized social and public places to accommodate the interaction and movement of older people. The continuity theory helps caregivers understand older adults under their care and offer quality care. Caregivers can analyze the behaviors, beliefs, and traits common to many adults and hence develop more expertise in offering the most appropriate care.