Jose Rizal University

College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Advocacy Programs Relevant to the Care of Older

Persons
(NUR C307-302N: Care of Older Adult)

Submitted by:
Alverne, Chloie Dominique
Galamiton, Hannah Faith Ashley
Gutierrez, Shekinah
Habijan, Hikaru
Inciong, Toni Rose
Lachama, Jean Rose
Lansangan, Ma. Victoria
Ludia, Divine Lorenz
Lumang, Rhenz Jhobel
Manipon, Hazel Ann
Maristela, Mariel Cristin Joyce
Marquez, Maurice Ann
Montenegro, Ma. Elisha Beatrice

Submitted to:
Dr. Eleonor C. Tangkeko, PhD, RN
 The study that was conducted by Barte, (2021) talks about support services and advocacy here in the
Philippines that can help the elderly.

Support Services and Advocacy for Older People includes;

1. Protection and Inclusion

- This will protect the older people because they believe that old people are the ones at risk
and are vulnerable but even in this case it is important for them to be included in the
society. This advocacy will help that happen.
2. Economic inclusion
- Having a low amount of pension for the older people cannot sustain them in their
everyday needs and health needs. With the older people job opportunities are narrowed
to their normal physical changes. Financial stability is important especially for older
people because of the expressness they need. In this advocacy older people will help to
guarantee a friendly livelihood employment that can help them with their basic needs.
3. Public Policy and Governance inclusion
- Coalition of Services of the Elderly works with the local government to implement a
promotion and acknowledgement of the older people's rights.
4. Emergency inclusion
- In terms of natural disasters, Everyone should understand that older adults are the most
vulnerable people in society. Because of the normal physical changes that occur to them,
they frequently receive the right services they need. They are one of the people who have
difficulty in reaching for food and aid during this time. But the Aging and Disability Task
Force (ADTF) has an emergency response that will prioritize the elderly.
5. Campaigns and Policy Advocacy
- Confederation of Older Persons Associations of the Philippines will prioritize older
person and their agenda includes;
Social Pension for Older Person
Older people will be free from any violence and abuse
Older people will receive a long term care program
Comprehensive Anti-discrimination Bill
National Commission on Older Persons Welfare
Giving older people a Age-friendly Communities
 Department of Health’s Mental Health Program

In the year 2004 the WHO study, up to 60% of people attending primary care clinics daily in the country
are estimated to have one or more MNS disorders. 2000 Census of Population and Housing showed that
mental illness and mental retardation rank 3rd and 4th respectively among the types of disabilities in the
country (88/100,000 Data from the Philippine General Hospital in 2014 show that epilepsy accounts for
33.44% of adult and 66.20% of pediatric neurological out-patient visits per year. Drug use prevalence
among Filipinos aged 10 to 69 years old is at 2.3%, or an estimated 1.8 million users according to the
DDB 2015 Nationwide Survey on the Nature and Extent of Drug Abuse in the Philippines 2011 WHO
Global School-Based Health Survey has shown that in the Philippines, 16% of students between 13-15
years old have ever seriously considered attempting suicide while 13% have actually attempted suicide
one or more times during the past year.

The incidence of suicide in males increased from 0.23 to 3.59 per 100,000 between 1984 and 2005
while rates rose from 0.12 to 1.09 per 100,000 in females (Redaniel, Dalida and Gunnell, 2011).
Intentional self-harm is the 9th leading cause of death among the 20-24 years old (DOH, 2003). A study
conducted among government employees in Metro Manila revealed that 32% out of 327 respondents have
experienced a mental health problem in their lifetime (DOH 2006). Based on Global Epidemiology on
Kaplan and Sadock’s Synopsis of Psychiatry, 2015 and Kaufman’s Clinical Neurology for Psychiatrists,
7th edition, 2013 Schizophrenia ---1% 1 Million Bipolar ---1% …. 1 Million Major Depressive
Disorder---17% …. 17 M Dementia --- 5% (of older than 65) ….. Epilepsy ---0.06% …. 600,000

National Center on Elder Abuse Support Services

The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) serves as a national resource center dedicated to the
prevention of elder mistreatment. First established by the U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA) in 1988 as
a national elder abuse resource center, the NCEA was granted a permanent home at AoA in the 1992
amendments made to Title II of the Older Americans Act. The NCEA is one of 27 Administration on
Aging-funded Resource Centers. Research shows that as many as two million elders are abused in the
United States. The Administration on Aging recognizes that as a government, as a society and as
individuals, we must increase our efforts to ensure that all older adults age with dignity and honor.

The goal of the NCEA is to improve the national response to elder abuse, neglect, and
exploitation by gathering, housing, disseminating, and stimulating innovative, validated methods of
research, practice policy and education. Our objectives are to: (1) increase the identification and reporting
of elder abuse by providing guidance for programs that serve older adults, and by developing and
disseminating information for professionals; (2) improve the ability of those in the aging network to
detect, intervene, and prevent abuse by providing practical tools and technical assistance, as well as
collaborating on pioneering approaches to improve practice; (3) stimulate sustainable and innovative
systems-change by fostering the development of programs, models, and initiatives which will ultimately
decrease the incidence of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Advocacy Consortium for the Elderly (ACE)

The Advocacy Consortium for the Elderly (ACE) of the Philippines deals with programs that focus
on elderly rights and development. The purpose of their programs is to aim at improving the well-being
of the older people.

The objective of mental health gap action program are as follows;

● To increase the commitment of other sectors with the financial support and human resources to
give care for older people with their mental diseases and substance use.
● To support countries with low income to support older people with their mental health and
substance use disorders.

Mental health: strengthening our response

● Mental health is more than the absence of mental disorders.
● Mental health is an integral part of health; indeed, there is no health
● without mental health.
● Cost-effective public health and intersectoral strategies and interventions exist to promote, protect
and restore mental health

Mental health gap action program is a program to serve proper care, psychosocial assistance and
medication and with this million of order clients who are suffering with depression, schizophrenia, and
epilepsy we can help them to prevent suice and allow them to live their normal lives.

Mandatory Philhealth Coverage for All Senior Citizens

RA No. 10645 or an Act Providing for the Mandatory Philhealth Coverage for All Senior Citizens
was approved in 2014. The law states that all senior citizens shall be covered by the national health
insurance program of PhilHealth. Funds necessary to ensure the enrollment of all senior citizens not
currently covered by any existing category shall be sourced from the National Health Insurance Fund of
PhilHealth from proceeds of Republic Act No. 10351 or the Sin Tax Law.

● "free medical and dental services, diagnostic and laboratory fees such as, but not limited to,
X-rays, computerized tomography scans and blood tests, in all government facilities, subject to
the guidelines to be issued by the DOH in coordination with the PhilHealth.”
 ● "the DOH shall administer free vaccination against the influenza virus and pneumococcal disease
for indigent senior citizen patients;"

● "the grant of twenty percent (20%) discount and exemption from the value added tax (VAT), on
the purchase of medicines, including the purchase of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, and
such other essential medical supplies, accessories and equipment to be determined by the
Department of Health (DOH)."

DSWD LONG TERM CARE PROGRAM FOR SENIOR CITIZENS (LTCSC)

An integrated and a more comprehensive long term national approach program to ensure the
protection of the rights of older persons and provide them with adequate health, rehabilitative and
socio-economic services must be formulated. Interventions are necessary to directly address the needs of
the poorest and to prevent members of vulnerable groups from falling into poverty following
community-wide or household specific shocks.The government has recognized the need for urgent action
on challenges related to aging, specifically those addressing the developmental and long-term care needs
of the senior citizens and ensuring active aging.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), as the lead agency in promoting
the welfare of the senior citizens developed a comprehensive Long Term Care Program for Senior
Citizens (LTCSC). The DSWD LTCSC will serve as the blueprint of the government to ensure the
development of a milieu that would meet the present and future needs of the growing number of senior
citizens in terms of human development and service delivery. It Is an Integration of devolved and new
services in one document (DSWD LTCSC) that will ensure efficient and effective implementation of the
programme and national uniformity of activities toward promoting active aging and society of all ages.

Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens

Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC) is the additional government assistance in
the amount of Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00) monthly stipend, to augment the daily subsistence and other
medical needs of indigent senior citizens.

As indicated in the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 or RA 9994, the Social Pension for Indigent
Senior Citizens is an additional government assistance which aims to: improve the condition of indigent
senior citizens by augmenting their daily subsistence and medical needs; reduce incidence of hunger; and
protect them from neglect. abuse, deprivation and natural and man-made disasters.

Pursuant to the eligibility criteria as may be determined by the DSWD, indigent senior citizens shall be
entitled to a monthly stipend amounting to Five hundred pesos (Php 500) to augment their daily
subsistence and other medical needs. The grant of social pension shall be subject to a review every two
(2) years by Congress, in consultation with the DSWD within three months after convening the Congress.

Insights about the Advocacy Program that are relevant for older people:

Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens

(Alverne, Chloie Dominique)
Many senior citizens retire around the age of 60, and without a source of income, they may not
have enough money to cover their basic needs. The Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens
offers indigent senior citizens with financial assistance of PHP 500 per month (P6,000 per year) to help
with food and medical expenses. A monthly allowance for the indigent seniors is an effective method of
improving the situation of the elderly among the poor and vulnerable, since it helps them to pay for basic
necessities like food and medicine. This program, however, still requires major improvement. Some argue
that some recipients do not fulfill the legal definition of indigency, but receive benefits because they have
authority in the community or are relatives of those who work in the barangay, which is unfair to those
who are excluded even if they meet the requirements.

National Center on Elder Abuse

(Galamiton, Hannah Faith Ashley)
Elder abuse is an unconscionable public health problem that affects millions of senior victims
every year. The National Center on Elder Abuse provides education and critical resources to combat all
forms of elder abuse and neglect. As one of the 27 Administration on Aging-funded Resource Centers, the
NCEA disseminates high quality research on elder abuse to encourage the translation of research into
practice. They also recognize that successful elder abuse prevention, detection, and intervention relies on
the education of professionals and the general public. As part of their advocacy, they provide flyers and
educational materials, as well as a series of training curricula on elder abuse & neglect for those who are
advocating on behalf of older adults.
This support service is important for those older people who are experiencing elder abuse or for
anyone who is advocating for them since the NCEA’s goal is to improve the national response to elder
abuse, neglect, and exploitation. In addition, this support service helps increase the reporting of elder
abuse by providing guidance for programs that serve older adults. In my own way, I can contribute to this
support service by spreading knowledge about how to prevent elder abuse from happening since the first
goal for elder abuse prevention is to stop it from happening in the first place. I can also contribute by
handing out flyers that contain information about prevention strategies, warning signs that an older person
is experiencing elder abuse, and the right organizations to call when an elder abuse has been confirmed.

Department of Health’s Mental Health Program

(Gutierrez, Shekinah)
The Mental Health Program of the Department of Health (DOH) is paramount advocacy because
mental health is often neglected, brought by stigma and discrimination. People are unaware of how
significant it is to our overall health and how it encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social
well-being, affecting how we think, feel, and act. Also, it supports the healthy development of every stage
of life. Thus, mental health is a vital aspect of the care of older people since they are more at risk of issues
such as anxiety or depression brought by grief, loneliness, and other age-related illnesses like Alzheimer's
and dementia.

As of 2019, the Philippines has 3.3% of the population living with depression (DOH, 2019). This
program is vital to promote the overall wellness of all Filipinos, preventing mental, psychosocial, and
neurologic disorders, substance abuse, and other forms of addiction. Consequently, this program will
reduce the burden of diseases by improving access to quality care and recovery in the communities.
However, this program would not work on its own. Hence, I will contribute to this program by being a
student nurse advocate. I will educate my grandparents and other older adult relatives about the
importance of mental health and how they can avail of this program's services. Discussing and planning is
a way to protect and care for the elderly. Lastly, I can contribute by making posters or infographics and
posting them on social media to spread awareness.

Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens

(Habijan, Hikaru)
Senior citizens are the ones who receive social pensions from the government every month. There are
many elderly people who are not wealthy enough to have savings or work for their own sustenance. The
Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC) is an additional government assistance
program that provides indigent senior citizens with a monthly stipend of Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00) to
supplement their daily subsistence and other medical needs. In accordance with the Expanded Senior
Citizens Act of 2010, the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens aims to improve the condition of
indigent senior citizens by supplementing their daily necessities and medical needs, reducing the
incidence of hunger, and protecting them from neglect (RA 9994). Natural and man-made disasters,
exploitation, and poverty.
 The social pension for indigent senior citizens is available in all regions, including the autonomous
region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The indigent senior citizens must have met the eligibility criteria
for the social pension in order to be considered worthy of the monthly assistance. Being frail, sickly, or
disabled, not receiving a pension from SSS, GSIS, or any government private pension sources, and not
having a permanent source of income, compensation, or financial assistance to meet basic needs are all
the criteria that are to be met. A photocopy of any valid ID showing the senior citizen's birthdate or the
actual birth certificate is required.

DSWD Long Term Care Program for Senior Citizens (LTCSC)

(Inciong, Toni Rose)
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) released Administrative Order No.
05 series of 2010, titled "DSWD Long-term Care Program for Senior Citizens General Implementing
Guidelines," with the overall advocacy of promoting active aging and enhancing the quality of life for
elderly people in the Philippines. Older people with disabilities who require palliative care and are fully
dependent on others for their daily living activities are among the target audience.
In practice, many local government agencies have policies or programs that cover both senior
residents and those with disabilities. There is typically a part of the General Appropriations Act (GAA),
which outlines the budgetary programs and projects for each government agency, that mandates funding
for initiatives, programs, and activities geared toward elderly citizens and people with disabilities.

Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens Insights

(Lachama, Jean Rose)
This kind of program is a big help to support the daily expenses and medical needs of our senior citizens,
especially our senior citizens who have no capacity to work, to be able to earn money to provide their needs. But
now as we can see the present status of our economy is not good, because the daily basic needs like food, medicine,
etc. have increased in price so the 500 pesos monthly financial assistance offer of social pension program for
indigent senior citizens is not enough to support their needs. So I think it requires improvement, like if possible the
additional financial assistance.

Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens Insights

(Lansangan, Ma. Victoria)
When they reach retirement age, retired Filipinos who spent a significant amount of time working abroad or even
our nation's hardworking seniors may anticipate receiving their rewards. Pensions from SSS or the Pag-IBIG Fund
are the most typical type of benefits for our elderly population. Older people may be eligible for discounts on food
and utilities, priority access to public and private services, and exemptions from some restrictions, according
Philippine government rules. As soon as they turn 60, senior citizens become eligible for discounts and advantages
for the rest of their life. They are eligible for many promotions and discounts at establishments and restaurants in the
Philippines. There are a lot of senior citizen benefits you should know about. The Philippine senior citizen act may
be challenging for the general public to comprehend due to its numerous regulations and situations. It's crucial to
gain as much knowledge as you can about your elderly loved ones if you have parents or other family members who
are already in their senior years.

Advocacy for Older People and Advocacy Consortium for the Elderly (ACE)
(Ludia, Divine Lorenz)

Mental health problems are one of the common problems experienced by older adults because of the risk
factors that affect their mental health as well as their daily activity. There are a lot of ways we can help older adults
to enhance their well-being to have a quality life.

The advocacy consortium for the elderly (ACE) promotes the rights and development of older adults. It was
implemented to increase the commitment of other sectors when it comes to financial support that helps to sustain the
needs of older adults with their mental health and substance use disorder. The advocacy consortium for the elderly
(ACE) was to provide proper care for the elderly who are suffering from mental illness for them to live their daily
lives effectively. Moreover, they aimed to give a chance for the elderly to live in a healthy environment and receive
the care they need.

Mandatory Philhealth Coverage for All Senior Citizens

(Rhenz Jobel M. Lumang)
Old people are more fragile than young one this can result in illnesses and other long term diseases.
The government made this law to help the senior citizens monitor their health and provide medicinal care
for free or discounted prices. Vaccination will help the senior citizens in maintaining their health and
avoid illnesses that can be acquired as they age. Providing this law will encourage senior citizens to take
care of themselves and help them to have affordable medicines for their existing illness.

Mandatory Philhealth Coverage for All Senior Citizens

(Manipon, Hazel Ann B.)

The government ensures that senior citizens are well taken care of by providing discounts and benefits
that are covered by the national health insurance program of PhilHealth. It is mandatory for all seniors to
have or get the benefits in Philhealth. But before they get all the benefits, all senior citizens who are not
covered must apply or get the funds in National Health Insurance Funds. There's no doubt that using
PhilHealth helps to reduce seniors' financial burden during hospitalization and especially for elderly
people who are in need. They will be able to receive treatment without being concerned about how they
will pay for the hospital bills.

Mandatory Philhealth Coverage for All Senior Citizens

(Maristela, Mariel Cristin Joyce)

Illnesses are not only harmful to one’s health. But also have an impact on an individual’s
finances and the entire household. According to the law, all senior citizens must be covered by
PhilHealth's national health insurance program. The most costly healthcare disorders by PhilHealth were
acquired from the community are pneumonia, hypertension, stroke, congestive heart failure, cerebral
infarction, urinary tract infection which is commonly diagnosed in elders. The insurance funds of
PhilHealth will provide the financial needs to ensure the enrollment of all senior citizens who are not
currently covered by any existing category. Through its extensive benefits packages that include
preventive and curative services, PhilHealth ensures that every senior citizen is covered. The benefits are
responsive to the healthcare needs of members throughout the many stages of life. They are based on an
individual's health needs rather than their ability to pay.

Mandatory Philhealth Coverage for All Senior Citizens

(Marquez, Maurice Ann S.)

As people age from time their body begins to decline and only continues to weaken further,
making them vulnerable to accidents and diseases. With this older adults require constant medication
from common diseases that they can possibly contract from their daily lives. They may also require
maintenance medicines from chronic disease or long term conditions. All of these may require a large
amount of money that normally an average living older person won’t have unless provided by their
family.

With the advocacy of implementing “Mandatory Philhealth Coverage for All Senior Citizens” the
community of older people would be granted the chance to afford and be able to take the medicines they
need to continue their life with their health supported by the government. The population percentage of
older adults' death rate continues to grow everyday which indicates that they are really in need of
attention from the government. Senior Citizens have long supported the economy and government and
this time they are the ones in need of financial assistance and support for their remaining life. Older adults
may have no source of income and are only supported by their children, they may also have a business
which can only support their daily needs and lastly there are also older adults who are living and being
taken care of by a family member. With the implementation of the mandatory philhealth it will focus on
the welfare and health state of older adults, with the means of distributing financial assistance for the
coverage of hospital bills and medical procedures. This will lessen their financial needs and at the same
time help them keep their fragile health at its best.

Support Services and Advocacy for Older People and Advocacy Consortium for the Elderly (ACE)
(Montenegro, Ma.Elisha Beatrice)

Elderly are the most common people to be taken for granted, because of their lack of ability to respond
to a certain situation and because of the natural change that happens in their body. Both of this study
focuses on giving the best protection to the elderly,especially that they are considered to be the
vulnerable group among the society. We need to understand that they need to receive the care that is
essential for them to survive.

Support Services and Advocacy for Older People focuses on giving the elderly the rights to be part of
the plan in the community. They also focus on the economic rights of older people by giving them the
opportunity to still work in a safe and friendly environment that the elderly will benefit from this will also
contribution with older people rights This can help them not only financially but it can also help them
with their physical and mental aspects,allowing them to do simple tasks can contribute a great factor with
their mental health. Emergency inclusion ensures older people will receive services that will keep them
safe during a disaster or calamities that our country will have. This will be the priority in terms of safety,
care and food. The Advocacy Consortium for the Elderly (ACE) of the Philippines support eldelry with
their mental well being. The program they offer supports elderly people regardless of their status in life
that will help them live their normal life.
REFERENCES:

Advocacy for elder - college of nursing dumaguete city 2 ND Semester, academic year
2021 JAMAECA. StuDocu. (n.d.). Retrieved September 30, 2022, from
https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/saint-paul-university-philippines/bsnursing/advoca
cy-for-elder/17226002

Mental health program: Department of Health Website. Mental Health Program |

Department of Health website. (n.d.). Retrieved September 30, 2022, from
https://doh.gov.ph/national-mental-health-program

National Center on Elder Abuse. (n.d.). National Center on Elder Abuse. NCEA. Retrieved
from https://ncea.acl.gov/

Social Pension Program for indigent senior citizens. DSWD Field Office CAR Official
Website. (n.d.). Retrieved October 1, 2022, from
https://car.dswd.gov.ph/programs-services/protective-services-program/social-pension-prog
ram-for-indigent-senior-citizens/

Social pension. Department of Social Welfare and Development. (n.d.). Retrieved October
1, 2022, from
https://www.dswd.gov.ph/programs/social-pension/#:~:text=Social%20Pension%20Progra
m%20for%20Indigent,needs%20of%20indigent%20senior%20citizens

TITLE: DSWD LONG TERM CARE PROGRAM FOR SENIOR CITIZENS (LTCSC)
GENERAL IMPLEMENTING GUIDELINES. (2010).
https://www.dswd.gov.ph/issuances/AOs/AO_2010-005.pdf