THERE have been discussions in the press recently about nursing homes.

It saddens me as a Singaporean to see how little attention is given to the feelings of old folk in nursing homes.

There seems to be more concern about the cost of building and maintaining these homes than their residents.

Nursing homes may be an inevitable reality in today's world, where circumstances are such that many families have little choice but to leave seniors in a home.

But have Singaporeans given enough thought to what else can been done to make seniors' remaining years in a nursing home truly happy?

No amount of modern amenities and parties organised by caregivers can replace the joy of the old folk when their family members and friends visit them often.

How can visiting seniors in nursing homes be made a routine, effortless matter for family members?

I suggest that the Government take the lead by relocating the aged to or building homes for them in the heartlands, close to where their family members live, so that it is easier for them to visit.

To take it one step further, the Government could set aside a part of the Budget for aged care as a way of rewarding this group of citizens for their contributions to nation-building.

Mr Jolly Wee

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