By Kor Kian Beng
The vast majority saw it as their duty to care for their parents, while some in this group said nursing homes here were too costly or poorly managed. -- ST PHOTO: NURIA LING
PACKING aged parents off to nursing homes is a no-no for most Singaporeans, who also believe that aged parents, regardless of any faults they display, should always be respected.
A sizable 87 per cent of 1,500 Singaporeans and permanent residents polled for a survey on family values said they would not consider placing parents in nursing homes.
The vast majority saw it as their duty to care for their parents, while some in this group said nursing homes here were too costly or poorly managed.
This inaugural survey by the National Family Council (NFC) wanted to guage the relevance of five family values - first drawn up in 1993 - after some 20 years of economic and societal changes.
It found at least 80 per cent of respondents supported the values: love, care and concern; mutual respect; filial responsibility; commitment; and communication. Another positive sign: nine in 10 cited family as their top priority, followed by work and friends. The findings on attitude towards family and aged parents was heartening for Marine Parade GRC MP Seah Kian Peng, who is leading efforts to tighten legislation and give more effective support and protection to older parents who are neglected by their children. 'These show that filial piety is strong and a trait that Singaporeans want in our society,' said Mr Seah
