You want to undergo the procedure, but you have a problem: If it requires anaesthesia or sedation, how will you get home if your family members are busy at work? They pick up the elderly right at their doorstep, stay with them throughout their appointments and take them back home safely. They are provided by voluntary welfare organisations, social enterprises and private companies.
Madam Maria has seen a surge in demand since Covid restrictions were lifted. Currently, there are 13 medical escort and transport MET service providers that receive subvention from the Ministry of Health MOH , said its spokesman.
These service providers are subject to service requirements, such as those pertaining to safety and training for their staff and volunteers. In , there were nine community care providers of MET services and they made about 2, trips monthly. The agency was set up by the Government to coordinate eldercare services. By , one in four citizens here will be aged 65 and above, up from one in six currently.
It serves the central region of Singapore with six vans and 10 medical escorts. Others have family or primary caregivers who are not available, or are unable to accompany and care for them throughout the trip. A former airport passenger service officer, Madam Maria started working as a medical escort in The first impression is most important, said Madam Maria, who always greets her clients with a smile.
For those who are fussy, complain a lot or lose their patience while waiting to see the doctor, she chats with them or offers a drink. No special medical knowledge is required, as training is provided in areas like basic wheelchair transfer, securing of wheelchairs when on board a bus, and operating the hydraulic lift to transfer patients from bed to wheelchair. Many do not have prior experience, and provide other services such as babysitting, pet-sitting and home cooking for the elderly.
