Creating a Dementia Friendly Singapore

23 October 2019, Interview with Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) 

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Creating nation-wide campaigns for a Dementia-Friendly Singapore is no easy task. We reached out to Agency for integrated care (AIC) to share about their projects and campaigns. It is important to involve the various different stakeholders involved: Persons with dementia, caregivers, family members, and the general public.

 

What is Dementia Friendly Singapore? 

The Dementia-Friendly Singapore initiative aims to build a more caring and inclusive society for persons with dementia and their caregivers. Currently, there are 8 Dementia-Friendly Communities (DFCs) in Yishun, Hong Kah North, MacPherson, Bedok, Fengshan, Queenstown, Bukit Batok East, and Woodlands.

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Learn more about Dementia Friendly Singapore here.

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Who is involved?

AIC mentioned that everybody has a part to play in creating a Dementia-Friendly SG. While seniors are encouraged to keep an active lifestyle and stay healthy to reduce the risks of dementia, the public also has a part to play in creating a dementia-friendly Singapore. We must acknowledge the struggles persons with dementia are facing, and work together to make them feel inclusive in society.

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What were the challenges faced?

It is difficult to get people to take part in talks and activities. Usually, community centers used to host talks and workshops will have a set list of people to reach out to, encouraging residents to sign up for these activities. However, they had to use different approach when pitching to different stakeholders of different demographics. Traditional methods used to raise awareness - setting up booths ect. has a limited reach, especially with the younger generation. 

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How did they overcome the challenges? 

To educate the public about dementia, AIC hosts talks in schools, they try to make their presentation easier to understand.

Despite reaching out to a younger audience through the Dementia Friends app and Instagram is not very effective, due to the lack of appeal in the topic. Hence, the reach and awareness of dementia is still not prevalent despite their efforts.

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Everyone has a part to play. We need YOUR help in creating a Dementia Friendly Singapore.

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Download the Dementia Friends APP here! 

Need help? Resources available: https://dementiafriendly.sg/Resource

 

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