Rachel Ong works with NUS to get affordable dental care for seniors

21/11/2024
Source: Rachel Ong / Facebook

Many seniors hesitate to visit dentists due to concerns about high treatment costs. Rachel Ong, a Member of Parliament for West Coast GRC, recognised these worries among her elderly constituents. Her grassroots team then collaborated with the National University of Singapore’s faculty of dentistry to provide affordable dental care for seniors residing in Telok Blangah constituency.

“Some of our seniors may not be able to afford dental care. So, we bring in a partner for them to visit the dentist at a reduced cost. We transport them to the clinic,” she told Petir.

The initiative was launched in April this year. Residents living in Depot, Dover, Pasir Panjang, and Telok Blangah who meet the criteria could visit the S.M.I.L.E Clinics @ FOD for dental treatment including fillings, scaling and gum treatment, dentures, etc. So far, a total of 22 seniors have benefitted from the initiative. They received basic dental care treatment like scaling, polishing, fillings or extraction.

The dental care services for seniors are part of Ms Ong’s team’s efforts to promote active ageing, which supports the broader goal of building strong families.

Ms Ong has also connected residents to specialist doctors who have volunteered their services. “I’m very grateful to the doctors. Sometimes residents need a second opinion but may not have funds to see another doctor.”

Ms Ong said that her team works with community partners to build stronger families, implementing different initiatives for different target groups.

“We have very strong active ageing programmes in Telok Blangah. When I go for house visits, Active Ageing ambassadors will come with me to chat with the seniors. For those seniors who stay alone, they try to put them into the community.”

Ms Ong’s team partners different service providers in different subdivisions to better support seniors. For example, in Depot, Sunlove has collaborated with hospitals to bring healthcare services straight to the doorsteps of her residents.

“St. Andrews Mission Home provides healthcare services, roll out everyday programmes, and organise Saturday breakfast together for residents to build (relationships) and bond, so that the seniors don’t feel alone,” she said.  

For youths, Ms Ong’s team has initiated a mentorship programme for youths aged 10 to 17 living in the constituency to expose them to sports, business, nature, and arts and music.

Her team often looks out for families who might need additional support. She recalled meeting a family with two children, including a man in his twenties facing neurological challenges.

“There was a ramp outside their house,” Ms Ong recalled. “I inquired, and the resident said his son is wheelchair-bound and needed help with some of his functions. His son was extremely bright.”

The team then facilitated connecting the man with an organisation that helps adults with disabilities find employment opportunities.

“We try to get jobs for adults with disabilities. They are receptive, but sometimes they do not know where to start,” she added. This is why she has been championing more support for families with special needs in Parliament. 

“We are looking at facilities whereby adult children with special needs can be more independent. At the Purple Parade that I sit in, we are looking at assisted living for people with disabilities.”

Rachel Ong’s team focuses on strengthening families, providing more greener spaces, and building a sporty community

Source: Rachel Ong / Facebook

Apart from strengthening families, Ms Ong’s team is focusing on providing more greener spaces, and building a sporty community after feedback from residents on their needs.

Ms Ong highlighted the abundance of green spaces surrounding the areas of Dover, Depot, and Telok Blangah, which provide a lush environment for residents. “Our apartments and flats overlook verdant green spaces,” she said. “Hort Park, Kent Ridge, Labrador Park, and Telok Blangah Hill are all within walking distance, easily accessible to our residents.”

Her grassroots team has also formed Telok Blangah Pulai Eco Club to promote sustainability among residents.

On the topic of sports, Ms Ong said her team has introduced new activities like fencing and archery for residents. Additionally, in July, they collaborated with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore to establish an unmanned aircraft flying area in Dover, allowing residents to fly drones.

Regarding the challenges ahead, Ms Ong highlighted the need to build a robust system and volunteer pool to continue serving the residents effectively. She expressed gratitude for the existing strong volunteer base supporting various areas.

 “I try to enjoy every day, regardless of challenges,” she said. “You learn from each different appeal and case. I know I won’t be here for the rest of my life. What’s important is to build structures, systems and pools of people to sustain the work for the community.”