Social Work Grand Rounds: Alone, but never lonely
JurongHealth Campus hosted its 12th Social Work Grand Rounds this year, with a power theme: “Alone, but Never Lonely”. The event focused on the growing issue of social isolation within the elderly community, and explored how social disconnection among seniors contributes to an increase in seniors passing away alone each year.
The event brought together leading experts from various fields: academics, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and social workers to foster collaboration and support for our isolated seniors.
Our mission? To build stronger partnerships within the community and healthcare teams, developing innovative strategies to engage and care for our seniors, ensuring they live with the dignity and companionship they deserve. 💙
Let’s continue to work together in building a more inclusive future for our seniors!
Opening Address
Head (JCH) and Senior Principal Medical Social Worker of NTFGH and JCH, Ms Koh Li Lian, opened the event by expressing heartfelt thanks to the organising team, for the culmination of a full year of dedicated work in preparation of this event. She reminded us of how much meaningful connections matter, highlighting how technology can both unite and isolate—especially for our seniors. It's a call for more intentional, human-centered interactions.
Sharing by our patients
Interview with two seniors on their perspectives of social isolation and how it affects them
Speakers
Founder & Principal Consultant, Soci.Train, R Jai Prakash, emphasised the importance of a systems approach in addressing elderly social isolation. By improving community coordination and leveraging technology, we can better engage our seniors. He challenged us to think creatively about how we connect with the elderly in ways that are truly impactful.
“We need to be creative when engaging the elderly.”
Deputy Chief, Care Systems Integration Division, Agency for Integrated Care, Chew Chun-Liang, introduced the Age Well SG initiative, launched in August 2023, focusing on identifying, connecting, and detecting socially isolated seniors. He outlined the three key thrusts of the Community Monitoring System (CMS)—Identify, Connect, and Detect—as crucial steps in ensuring seniors receive timely support.
His message was clear: community collaboration is key, involving agencies like the Silver Generation Office and Active Ageing Centres. Let’s join forces to support our elderly in aging with grace and dignity.
Consultant, Psychiatry, NTFGH, Dr Tan Yuyuan, discussed the co-morbidity of psychiatric illnesses, such as dementia, depression, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders with social isolation. She explained how these conditions can affect our seniors both directly (e.g. impairing mobility or self-care abilities) and indirectly (e.g. financial management, navigating daily tasks). Grief, too, can lead to social withdrawal. Dr Tan urged for better access to services and personalised care to address the physical, medical, and emotional needs of isolated seniors.
Social Worker, Care @ Community Department, Fei Yue Active Ageing Centre, Ong Qing Ping reminded us of the importance of respecting a senior’s self-autonomy, especially on decisions about palliative care. Building trust with isolated clients takes time, but by engaging informal networks like neighbours, we can support them in living life on their terms before introducing services.
“Allow clients to attempt living life on their own terms before being amenable to assistance.”
Panel Discussion
The Grand Rounds concluded with a call to address social isolation through creative engagement with seniors, fostering reconnections with their loved ones, and adopting a collaborative approach across agencies, grassroots organisations, and the wider community.
JurongHealth Campus Medical Social Services would like to extend its gratitude to our distinguished speakers and all participants for contributing to this year’s insightful and thought-provoking Grand Rounds.Together, we can make a difference. 🙌 #SocialWorkGrandRounds #ElderlyCare #NeverLonely #AgeWell #JurongHealthCampus #CommunitySupport
