Community Functional Screening Programme

A functional screening programme for seniors aged 60 years and above.

Ageing is usually associated with a decline in functional ability, such as poor vision, difficulty in hearing and decreased leg strength and/or balance. These conditions can affect a senior’s well-being and quality of life. 

The Health Promotion Board (HPB)’s Community Functional Screening Programme (CFSP) helps seniors detect early signs of functional decline. Early detection of functional decline, followed with appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes will enable our seniors to remain independent and active.

Who is this Screening Programme for?

The Programme is for Singaporeans or PRs aged 60 years and above.

What is HPB’s Community Functional Screening Programme?

1. Screening

The Community Functional Screening Programme is a series of simple tests and questionnaires administered by healthcare professionals in the following six areas: 

Click here  to download a brochure on the Community Functional Screening Programme.

Good physical fitness is important in performing daily activities. The tests used help detect the risk of functional decline such as disability as well as the risk for falls. Seniors with low physical function will be referred to the family doctor for medical follow up. Seniors with less than optimal physical function will also be invited to join HPB’s Strength Training Exercise Programme (STEP).  STEP is a 12 week exercise programme designed to help older adults aged 60 years and above to improve their strength and balance. 

To download brochure click here 

To download brochure on STEP click here 

Urinary incontinence is associated with a low quality of life in seniors. Screening can help detect incontinence and allow seniors to seek effective treatment /management. A questionnaire will be used to assess the risk of urinary incontinence. Seniors with urinary incontinence will be referred to the family doctor for medical follow up.

To download brochure click here 

Certain changes in life such as retirement, loss of a loved one and health conditions that affect one’s independence and mobility, can cause some people to feel ‘blue’ or ‘sad’. Depression could become an illness if it stays for too long and could obstruct the daily functioning, including work and interest in activities of seniors. Screening provides early detection of depressive symptoms. Seniors with these symptoms will be referred to the family doctor for further follow up.

To download brochure click here 

Good vision is an integral part of everyday life. As treatment is available for most causes of decreased eyesight, it is beneficial that seniors get screened early to reduce the incidence of falls and accidents due to poor vision. Seniors with vision problems will be referred either to an optometrist (professional who measures vision) or to an Ophthalmologist (eye doctor) for follow-up. Regular monitoring of eyesight for changes can help seniors increase their level of independence.

To download brochure click here 

Good hearing is important to keep seniors connected to the world. Difficulties with communication may result in decreased social activity. Screening can help detect hearing problems. Seniors with hearing problems may be referred to an audiologist (professional who measures hearing) or an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor.

In most cases of age related hearing loss without any other ear problems, hearing aids and assistive listening devices are usually sufficient to address the hearing problem.

To download brochure click here 

Oral health is important for overall health because it helps seniors enjoy their food and maintain good nutrition. The prevalence of oral health problems appears to increase with age. Seniors will be screened for oral cleanliness, number and condition of teeth, condition of dentures, as well as signs and symptoms of dental pain. Seniors with dental problems will be referred to a dentist for follow-up.

To download brochure click here 

2. Counselling

After the screening, participants will receive their results on the same day on-site. A nurse counsellor will interpret the results and advise each participant on the appropriate medical follow-up and healthy lifestyle practices.

Community Partner Resources

We invite Wellness Constituency Managers & Voluntary Welfare Organisations to organise the Community Functional Screening Programme and/or STEP for your residents, please click here to download more information.

Healthcare Professional Resources

• Click here to find out more about Healthcare Partnership
• Primary Care Doctors, click here to download the Community Functional Screening Follow-up Resource
• Allied Health Resources (Coming Soon)
• Management of Functional Decline in Older Adults E-Learning Module. To register for the FREE, innovative e-courseware contact Mr Kumaran Utravathy, kumaran_utravathy@hpb.gov.sg 

Who to Contact?

For more information or enquiries, please e-mail HPB_CFSP@hpb.gov.sg or call HealthLine at 1800 223 1313.

You may also look out in your neighbourhood’s Wellness Programme, led by the People’s Association (PA) on the availability of the CFSP.

This Community Functional Screening Programme assesses functional status only and is not intended to be a comprehensive geriatric screening programme.