The Government yesterday announced several new initiatives, which include a plan to provide subsidies to those who need regular home visits by doctors and nurses. They will receive the same subsidies given to those in a nursing home. It will be made available to the lower 50% of the elderly population. There are about 234,500 people over 65 years old today, 8% of whom suffer from severe disabilities. The new policy will mean that half of this group, or about 10,000 elderly people, could benefit. They will receive subsidies ranging from 25 to 75% of the cost of the care, depending on family income. More will also be helped in the future, given that the elderly population is set to rise from 7% of the population today to 18.4% by 2030. (The Straits Times 5 Jun 2001) (1) 

  In a major shift in the way social services are provided to the needy, the National Council of Social Service has introduced a tender system for voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs). In the past, it would identify the VWO that could best meet the clients' needs and appoint it.  There are 50 agencies that manage caregiver groups. They provide the ill and the elderly with moral and nursing support. The VWOs offering a case management service would also arrange day-care facilities, train caregivers and counsel family members and clients. In return, the VWOs get S$150,000 a year from the council. (Straits Times 4 Jul 2001)