IAS rules out establishing a canteen for seniors

The Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) has ruled out establishing a dedicated canteen for the elderly, citing the existing network of support services.

In a reply to lawmaker Che Sai Wang, the IAS said the “network of caring services for the elderly” currently serves over 4,800 registered elderly individuals, a 15% increase from the previous year.

This network organizes volunteer teams to provide personalized support through phone calls, home visits, and community activities, targeting isolated elderly people and couples.

Regarding medical services, the IAS highlighted the crucial role of community health centers in delivering comprehensive care, including regular check-ups and mental health consultations.

Medical social workers also play a key part, formulating personalized support plans and providing emotional, medical, and referral services to elderly residents and their families.

The IAS emphasized the importance of family doctors in conducting regular screenings to assess the physical, mental, and social well-being of at-risk seniors.

These individuals are then referred to medical social workers, who create tailored support plans and offer ongoing assistance.

Furthermore, the IAS and the Health Services have established a cooperation mechanism to identify and assess elderly patients upon hospital discharge, ensuring the provision of appropriate monitoring and support to reduce the risk of complications at home.

IAS president Wilson Hon Wai has acknowledged efforts to identify and integrate “hidden” elderly, particularly those living alone in older buildings, through collaboration with private institutions, referrals from neighbors, and targeted outreach in areas with higher concentrations of isolated elderly residents.

While the government has decided against a dedicated elderly canteen, the expansion of the community support network and the integration of comprehensive medical services suggest a proactive approach to addressing the needs of Macau’s growing elderly population. Victoria Chan