Leong Liu Kie works in Singapore, a country which has an increasing number of elderly. She works at the Moral Home for the Aged Sick and cares for the old people there. There, her job ranges from assisting the patients to comforting them when they are troubled. Like many other countries such as Japan and South Korea, the decline in birth rates and people living longer have caused changes to the demographic profile of Singapore. This in turn has caused many people to start their own businesses that cater to the old folks. In order to meet the demand for elderly care, the Ministry of Health will be adding more beds to the current 9.300 beds at the nursing homes. In the past, people used to live together unlike today. Nowadays, an increasing number of senior citizens prefer to live by themselves. These old people prefer to lead a life where they need not depend so much on their children
11 / Name two duties of a nurse at the Moral Home for the Aged Sick.Literal
- holding patients' hands [1]
- whispering words of comfort [1]
12 / What is Liu Kie’s designation in the home? In your own opinion, why is she on call 24 hours a day?
Open Response
Nursing Director [1]
Anything can happen anytime to an old folk and she has to attend to these emergencies. [1]
13 / Why do you think people want to hire foreign caretakers?
Inference
People nowadays are too busy to take care of old people themselves. [1]
Or
There are not enough caretakers to take care of the elderly at present. [1]
14 / Why do you think old people will find it easier to take care of themselves when amenities are nearer to them?
Inference
The old people do not need to travel very far to buy their daily necessities.
15 / Why do you think Mr Lek decided to set up a company to bring in emergency pendants after his grandmother’s fatal stroke? / [1]
Inference
He didn’t want others to suffer the same fate as his grandmother who died. [1]
16 / With the eAlert, why would people definitely be focused on their work during the day?
Inference
These people do not need to worry about anything bad happening to the old folks when they are at work.
17 / Based on your understanding of the passage, suggest two ways how the government can encourage Singaporeans to take up more jobs that take care of people.
Inference
1)Increase the salary for caretaker [1]
2)Provide more training for caretakers on taking care of old folks [1]