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In Singapore, one in 10 people aged 60 and above have dementia. Here’s how the “Forget Us Not” initiative provides dementia care.
The number of persons with dementia in Singapore is rising, with a nationwide study by the Institute of Mental Health revealing that one in 10 people aged 60 and above in Singapore is living with dementia. Lest we forget those grappling with the medical condition, Lien Foundation and Khoo Teck Puat Hospital have launched an independent initiative called “Forget Us Not” to raise awareness of the growing number of persons with dementia (PWD).
“Forget Us Not” is an independent initiative that aims to improve awareness and understanding of dementia, and build dementia-friendly communities in Singapore among businesses and members of the public. As part of the initiative, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital staff will provide dementia-friendly training for their organisation staff through customised sessions that involve participatory activities such as role-playing.
Members of the public can also sign up to become “Dementia Friends” to receive information on how to recognise symptoms of dementia and how to interact with PWDs.
Dementia refers to the decline of one’s mental abilities, leading to increased difficulty coping with everyday activities. The condition is becoming increasingly prevalent in Singapore. Currently, there are 45,000 PWDs in the country, but this figure is estimated to double to 103,000 by 2030.
The condition is not considered part of normal ageing and mainly affects seniors aged 60 and above. While rare, it can also affect younger individuals.
Related: Dementia Support Groups (Singapore)
- Problems with recent memory
- Problems with visual perception
- Changes in mood, behaviour & personality
- Problems with walking & mobility
- Misplacing things
- Confused with places & time
- Difficulties in planning & thinking
- Difficulties in communication
- Poor judgement & impaired social behaviour
- Difficulties completing familiar tasks
Forget Us Not — Short Film
Dementia doesn’t just affect those who suffer from it; it affects everyone around them, including their families and community. See how the Tan family and their community rally around Mr Tan Yee Ming, who has worsening dementia, in various heartwarming ways in this short film, titled “Forget Us Not 勿忘我”. This film was conceptualised by Mandate Communications and produced by Little Red Ants Creative Studio, with support from the Singapore Police Force.
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