Block 119 Bukit Merah View looks like any other Housing Board block. But in its void deck is a small clinic that is a model of experimentation.

The Hua Mei Seniors Clinic is an example of an 'elderly-friendly' clinic. For example, the whole clinic is barrier free with ramps and no steps. It is well-lit, with no hidden obstacles to trip frail old folks. There are enough doctors and nurses for unhurried consultations, so patients can discuss ways to prevent disease and manage chronic illnesses.

The clinic is run by Tsao Foundation.

The foundation's president and CEO Dr Mary Ann Tsao explained its approach: 'We see doctors as advocates, delivering not just medical care, but also helping seniors in a more holistic way. Primary care specialists don't just deliver a medical service, they also help provide social support and referrals to other agencies' services.'

Tsao Foundation is quietly gaining a reputation for its expertise in ageing related issues. Tsao is going regional, bringing its training and services to countries like Indonesia. China and South Korea.

Tsao trainer Wang Jing spent 12 days last month training nursing aides in Qingdao, China, to care for elderly people.

We hope to share our expertise with others in Asean and China,' said China-born Ms Wang, 37, who is now a Singapore citizen.

The Qingdao training was the third such session conducted by the foundation over the last three years.

In all, over 210 mature workers from the Qingdao area were trained to be nursing aides in the burgeoning nursing homes industry.

Apart from China, the foundation was also involved in a joint Asean and South Korea project, where it helped develop two manuals for training Korean volunteers who befriend lonely old folk.

The foundation recently received an Asean grant to develop training programmes in the region.

Read the full story in Thursday's edition of The Straits Times.