Elderly client moved to nursing home based on evolving needs

We are sorry to learn of Mr Raymond Fernando’s unfortunate encounter at the residential home where his mother was cared for. (“Family upset by care of mum at residential home”; March 21, online)

The Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) has looked into his concerns. Based on his mother’s condition at the point of hospital discharge, the hospital assessed her to be suitable for placement in a sheltered home.

St John’s Home for the Elderly assessed Madam Pearl Fernando subsequently and admitted her on Feb 24. The assessment and application by the hospital were done in consultation with Mr Fernando’s brothers.

We understand also that he was updated on the progress of the application and placement.

Our staff visited Mdm Fernando at St John’s Home on March 19 to help assess her condition and suitability for placement in a subsidised nursing home.

Based on more current assessment and discussion with Mr Fernando’s family members, it was determined that his mother’s care needs had increased since her hospital discharge and during her stay at the sheltered home.

The AIC approached the relevant hospital promptly to ensure that her placement in a suitable nursing home was arranged as expeditiously as possible.

We also shared Mr Fernando’s feedback on the sheltered home with the Ministry of Social and Family Development, which has since replied to him.

We thank him for his feedback and will continue to work closely with public hospitals, nursing homes and providers of eldercare services and home care to facilitate transitions in care expeditiously for elderly clients based on their evolving conditions and needs.