Letter to MYPAPER: Do more to help mentally ill
Raymond's letter to mypaper on the above subject is published today, Tuesday 21 December, page A16.
The recent case of a middle-age woman - reported to be mentally ill - who boarded an SBS Transit bus while naked is worrying.
The Chinese woman, who is in her 50s, removed her clothese at a bus stop in Ubi last Wednesday and boarded bus service 22. Police officers later arrived and arrested her.
In the last six months, there have been 105 incidents of people “parading” around naked while in public.
There have also been tragedies involving persons with mental illness. This is a cause for concern.
It was equally disturbing to read about onlookers who seized the opportunity to take photos and capture video clips of the woman while she was naked.
They should be ashamed of themselves. Let us not forget that the woman could be someone's sister, mother or daughter.
A tough stand needs to be taken against people who humiliate the mentally ill. This is where the Mental Capacity Act should be enforced.
A woman's modesty should be protected at all costs. I am glad that the bus driver stopped the bus promptly and took steps to ensure that the naked woman was shielded. He should be commended.
People who are mentally ill are often left to fend for themselves because it is a daunting task to care for them.
In view of the rising number of people who are unable to cope with stress, there is a dire need to foster support and compassion for the mentally ill, as they do not have a sense of belonging in a society that is focussed on achieving economic excellence.
I suggest that a high-level committee - comprising staff from the Singapore Police Force, mental-health providers and related ministries - be formed to resolve the problems that give rise to these marginalised citizens, who undoubtedly need to live in dignity.
Staff from the town councils and grassroots leaders could also be roped in to tackle these problems, which often take place in our housing estates.
With Christmas just around the corner, let us bear in mind that the mentally ill are also God's children, and they need love, understanding, and support - just like any one of us.
MR RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
UNPUBLISHED LETTER TO THE CATHOLIC NEWS- Expedite support for our marginalised citizens to save & reclaim more lives
I refer to the report in the Catholic News , “Unmet social needs” (CN, Dec 5).
I fully agree that there is a dire need to facilitate support and compassion of Singapore's marginalised citizens who include the mentally ill and the disabled wh...o do not have a sense of belonging in a society that is bent on economic excellence.
For years, I have been trying to secure some home-help services as the strain of caring for my wife who suffers from schizophrenia and depression for more than three decades is taking a heavy toll on me, and I'm exhausted!
The recent case of the 12-year-old disabled girl, Little Linda who had a low IQ and perished in a most cruel way broke my heart. Her parents and maid found it so hard to cope for it is never easy taking care of someone with such a condition. One life has been lost and another hangs in the balance as the maid could be charged with her the child's death.
Many caregivers who are taking care of their marginalised loved ones are also suffering burn out. Yet, securing support for us is a daunting task and fruitless exercise.
Recently, through the Centre for Enabled Living (CEL), a senior staff from a nursing home was asked to visit us to assist with some of our needs that includes meal delivery service, transportation for my wife's several medical appointments and cleaning services.
After going through the mandatory means testing, I was told I would have to pay the following charges:
$70 each time I had to ferry my wife to and fro the respective Government hospitals -Tan Tock Seng Hospital for medical arthritis treatment, and IMH for her lifelong psychiatric care.
$70 for cleaners to clean up my house for a duration of 40 minutes
A two-way trip to Tan Tock Seng Hospital would cost less than $20 and the market rate for cleaning service for 1 hour would only cost $10 - $15 per hour. So, how does this compare to the overcharging by the nursing home? And I don't have a fulltime job.
The staff at the nursing home who was far from sympathetic, told me that the home depended on donations to run its services and the guidelines are drawn up by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS).
Does this mean that just because I have a little CPF savings that they must squeeze every cent from faithful and dedicated caregivers like myself. You work all your life to enjoy your retirement, but in the end, almost half your money goes back to the Government through rising medical bills and such overcharging.
It is little wonder that many caregivers give up on walking the whole journey with their stricken ones because there is little compassion for our marginalised citizens. This is why it is crucial for our Catholic organisations to render us the support that we so badly need.
The formation of CLARITY to support persons with mental illness and their caregivers is taking far too long to carry out its work. So, I appeal to CARITAS - give us your support, your assistance quickly so that more lives can be saved and reclaimed.
And as the yuletide season draws close, bear in mind that the mentally ill are also God's children. Give your unconditional love and support to or marginalised brothers and sisters for that is the true meaning of Christmas.
Raymond Anthony Fernando
Singapore 560601
I fully agree that there is a dire need to facilitate support and compassion of Singapore's marginalised citizens who include the mentally ill and the disabled wh...o do not have a sense of belonging in a society that is bent on economic excellence.
For years, I have been trying to secure some home-help services as the strain of caring for my wife who suffers from schizophrenia and depression for more than three decades is taking a heavy toll on me, and I'm exhausted!
The recent case of the 12-year-old disabled girl, Little Linda who had a low IQ and perished in a most cruel way broke my heart. Her parents and maid found it so hard to cope for it is never easy taking care of someone with such a condition. One life has been lost and another hangs in the balance as the maid could be charged with her the child's death.
Many caregivers who are taking care of their marginalised loved ones are also suffering burn out. Yet, securing support for us is a daunting task and fruitless exercise.
Recently, through the Centre for Enabled Living (CEL), a senior staff from a nursing home was asked to visit us to assist with some of our needs that includes meal delivery service, transportation for my wife's several medical appointments and cleaning services.
After going through the mandatory means testing, I was told I would have to pay the following charges:
$70 each time I had to ferry my wife to and fro the respective Government hospitals -Tan Tock Seng Hospital for medical arthritis treatment, and IMH for her lifelong psychiatric care.
$70 for cleaners to clean up my house for a duration of 40 minutes
A two-way trip to Tan Tock Seng Hospital would cost less than $20 and the market rate for cleaning service for 1 hour would only cost $10 - $15 per hour. So, how does this compare to the overcharging by the nursing home? And I don't have a fulltime job.
The staff at the nursing home who was far from sympathetic, told me that the home depended on donations to run its services and the guidelines are drawn up by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS).
Does this mean that just because I have a little CPF savings that they must squeeze every cent from faithful and dedicated caregivers like myself. You work all your life to enjoy your retirement, but in the end, almost half your money goes back to the Government through rising medical bills and such overcharging.
It is little wonder that many caregivers give up on walking the whole journey with their stricken ones because there is little compassion for our marginalised citizens. This is why it is crucial for our Catholic organisations to render us the support that we so badly need.
The formation of CLARITY to support persons with mental illness and their caregivers is taking far too long to carry out its work. So, I appeal to CARITAS - give us your support, your assistance quickly so that more lives can be saved and reclaimed.
And as the yuletide season draws close, bear in mind that the mentally ill are also God's children. Give your unconditional love and support to or marginalised brothers and sisters for that is the true meaning of Christmas.
Raymond Anthony Fernando
Singapore 560601
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Caring for loved one with health problems. Why are nursing home's rates so much higher?
Read Raymond Anthony Fernando's letter to The New Paper:
This letter was published in The New Paper today, Wednesday 8th December 2010, page 18.
For years, I have been trying to secure some home-help services as the strain of caring for my wife, who has mental and physical health problems for more than three decades, is taking a heavy toll on me.
Many caregivers who are caring for their marginalised loved ones suffer burnout. Yet, securing support for us is a daunting task.
Recently, through the Centre for Enabled Living, a senior staff from a nursing home was asked to visit us to help with some of our needs, including meal delivery, transportation for my wife's medical appointments and cleaning services.
After going through the mandatory means testing, I was told I would have to pay the following charges:
$70 to ferry my wife to Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) and back for each of her medical appointments.
$70 for cleaners to clean up my three-room HDB flat for 40 minutes.
A two-way trip from our home to TTSH by taxi usually costs less than $20 and the going rate for part-time cleaning services is only $10 to $15 an hour.
So, how do the nursing home's rates help?
The nursing home staff seemed far from sympathetic, saying that the home depended on donations to run its services, and the guidelines are drawn up by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports.
I don't have a fulltime job.
Just because I still have some CPF savings, does a faithful and dedicated caregiver like myself have to deplete everything before getting help?
It is little wonder that many caregivers give up on walking the whole journey with their stricken ones because there is so little compassion for our marginalised citizens.
RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO
This letter was published in The New Paper today, Wednesday 8th December 2010, page 18.
For years, I have been trying to secure some home-help services as the strain of caring for my wife, who has mental and physical health problems for more than three decades, is taking a heavy toll on me.
Many caregivers who are caring for their marginalised loved ones suffer burnout. Yet, securing support for us is a daunting task.
Recently, through the Centre for Enabled Living, a senior staff from a nursing home was asked to visit us to help with some of our needs, including meal delivery, transportation for my wife's medical appointments and cleaning services.
After going through the mandatory means testing, I was told I would have to pay the following charges:
$70 to ferry my wife to Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) and back for each of her medical appointments.
$70 for cleaners to clean up my three-room HDB flat for 40 minutes.
A two-way trip from our home to TTSH by taxi usually costs less than $20 and the going rate for part-time cleaning services is only $10 to $15 an hour.
So, how do the nursing home's rates help?
The nursing home staff seemed far from sympathetic, saying that the home depended on donations to run its services, and the guidelines are drawn up by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports.
I don't have a fulltime job.
Just because I still have some CPF savings, does a faithful and dedicated caregiver like myself have to deplete everything before getting help?
It is little wonder that many caregivers give up on walking the whole journey with their stricken ones because there is so little compassion for our marginalised citizens.
RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO
Monday, November 29, 2010
DEATH OF DISABLED GIRL:S'pore needs strong caregiver support system to boost mental health awareness
Raymond's letter on the above subject was published in The New Paper on Monday 29 November 2010, page 18.
I refer to the report, “Special needs: Caregivers need training” (The New Paper, Nov 25).
Yet another tragedy has taken place – this time involving an innocent 12-year-old who was physically disabled and had a low IQ.
It is never easy taking care of people with special needs, and if you are a novice managing someone with mental illness, you will be groping around in the dark.
The solution to prevent more tragedies from taking place is to learn the skills from seasoned caregivers who have give their stricken ones a new lease of life.
This is why, despite my never-ending difficulties in looking after my wife who sufferers from severe arthritis, I make time to volunteer at the Institute of Mental Health to share my share my experience and expertise in taking care of my wife while she recovered from schizophrenia and depression.
In my personal capacity, I also reach out to companies, clubs and government agencies to create more awareness of mental illness through motivational talks.
I would like to do more, but I face an uphill task because many are resistant to change.
Earlier this year, I got a letter signed by two government officials informing me that the Health Promotion Board and the various mental health service providers such as the Singapore Association for Mental Health and the Caregivers' Association of the Mentally Ill have been advised to engage my services to help people going through such challenges.
But none of these agencies have acted on this yet, though I have touched base with some of their staff.
If our mental health care system is to be the best in Asia, then surely, we must have an equally strong and solid caregiver support system in place.
RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO
I refer to the report, “Special needs: Caregivers need training” (The New Paper, Nov 25).
Yet another tragedy has taken place – this time involving an innocent 12-year-old who was physically disabled and had a low IQ.
It is never easy taking care of people with special needs, and if you are a novice managing someone with mental illness, you will be groping around in the dark.
The solution to prevent more tragedies from taking place is to learn the skills from seasoned caregivers who have give their stricken ones a new lease of life.
This is why, despite my never-ending difficulties in looking after my wife who sufferers from severe arthritis, I make time to volunteer at the Institute of Mental Health to share my share my experience and expertise in taking care of my wife while she recovered from schizophrenia and depression.
In my personal capacity, I also reach out to companies, clubs and government agencies to create more awareness of mental illness through motivational talks.
I would like to do more, but I face an uphill task because many are resistant to change.
Earlier this year, I got a letter signed by two government officials informing me that the Health Promotion Board and the various mental health service providers such as the Singapore Association for Mental Health and the Caregivers' Association of the Mentally Ill have been advised to engage my services to help people going through such challenges.
But none of these agencies have acted on this yet, though I have touched base with some of their staff.
If our mental health care system is to be the best in Asia, then surely, we must have an equally strong and solid caregiver support system in place.
RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Smart Cards for those with special needs?
My letter on the above subject was published in The New Paper on Thursday 11 November 2010.
I refer to the report, “What if he walks out naked?” (The New Paper, Nov 2).
I fully emphatise with parents who are taking care of their autistic children.
Just like sufferers of mental illness, managing a loved one with autism is also a huge challenge.
You require loads of patience, understanding and support as autistic children have problems interacting with people and they have limited interests.
I understand the anxiety and worry that Shirley faces daily as she raises Peter, her 12-year son who has a low IQ.
Her concerns about Peter getting in trouble with the law, given his special condition are valid ones.
Certainly, children and adults with special needs deserve better protection.
To reduce the anxiety of both caregivers and patients with special needs - the mentally ill, autistic children, elderly people living alone and the disabled, I urge the Government to issue a special smart card to these citizens.
It can have an electronic chip that stores confidential information about the patient's illness and special needs as well as contact details of the primary caregiver and the organisation that issues the card.
Such a special identity card should also help to reduce the workload of the police, the courts and other parties that could be involved if any offences are committed.
RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO
I refer to the report, “What if he walks out naked?” (The New Paper, Nov 2).
I fully emphatise with parents who are taking care of their autistic children.
Just like sufferers of mental illness, managing a loved one with autism is also a huge challenge.
You require loads of patience, understanding and support as autistic children have problems interacting with people and they have limited interests.
I understand the anxiety and worry that Shirley faces daily as she raises Peter, her 12-year son who has a low IQ.
Her concerns about Peter getting in trouble with the law, given his special condition are valid ones.
Certainly, children and adults with special needs deserve better protection.
To reduce the anxiety of both caregivers and patients with special needs - the mentally ill, autistic children, elderly people living alone and the disabled, I urge the Government to issue a special smart card to these citizens.
It can have an electronic chip that stores confidential information about the patient's illness and special needs as well as contact details of the primary caregiver and the organisation that issues the card.
Such a special identity card should also help to reduce the workload of the police, the courts and other parties that could be involved if any offences are committed.
RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO
Monday, November 1, 2010
Let MediShield help mentally ill too- Raymond's letter to The New Paper
My letter on the above matter was published in The New Paper on Monday 1 November 2010, page 16
Five years ago, I raised the issue of getting MediShield coverage for the mentally ill through The Straits Times forum page.
I have been paying for MediShield for both myself and my wife since the implementation of the scheme, but we have not benefited from this insurance policy.
But I am now encouraged that Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan has mentioned the possibility of extending MediShield to cover mental illness. It shows that the Government is listening to feedback.
MediShield coverage for mental illness will greatly help in relieving the financial burden of both psychiatric patients and their families. Such a positive move will encourage people going through the stresses of life to readily come forward for treatment.
I hope that the Health Minister can take it one step further by persuading insurers to allow the mentally ill to take up other insurance policies, including endowment and life insurance policies.
Let me also record my deepest appreciation to Mr Heng Chee How, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office for the wonderful support that he has given my wife and me for several years.
Mr Heng has shown remarkable compassion for the mentally ill and acts quickly on issues that I have raised to him.
Likewise, my MP, Mr Seng Han Thong, has been supportive to our struggles and renders assistance whenever he is able to.
Dr Lily Neo, MP for Jalan Besar GRC, has also demonstrated compassion and care for lonely elderly and the mentally ill through the many social support programmes that she has initiated.
Singapore can become a gracious society and be the best home to live in so long as we have MPs who emphatise with the suffering of our marginalised citizens.
RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO
Five years ago, I raised the issue of getting MediShield coverage for the mentally ill through The Straits Times forum page.
I have been paying for MediShield for both myself and my wife since the implementation of the scheme, but we have not benefited from this insurance policy.
But I am now encouraged that Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan has mentioned the possibility of extending MediShield to cover mental illness. It shows that the Government is listening to feedback.
MediShield coverage for mental illness will greatly help in relieving the financial burden of both psychiatric patients and their families. Such a positive move will encourage people going through the stresses of life to readily come forward for treatment.
I hope that the Health Minister can take it one step further by persuading insurers to allow the mentally ill to take up other insurance policies, including endowment and life insurance policies.
Let me also record my deepest appreciation to Mr Heng Chee How, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office for the wonderful support that he has given my wife and me for several years.
Mr Heng has shown remarkable compassion for the mentally ill and acts quickly on issues that I have raised to him.
Likewise, my MP, Mr Seng Han Thong, has been supportive to our struggles and renders assistance whenever he is able to.
Dr Lily Neo, MP for Jalan Besar GRC, has also demonstrated compassion and care for lonely elderly and the mentally ill through the many social support programmes that she has initiated.
Singapore can become a gracious society and be the best home to live in so long as we have MPs who emphatise with the suffering of our marginalised citizens.
RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO
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