YOUR GUIDE TO COMMUNITY CARE IN SINGAPORE
A publication byAgency for Integrated Care (AIC)
Year 2018 Issue 03
PAGE 22
DEMENTIA AND ORAL HEALTH
BRINGING YOUR LOVED ONE TO THE DENTIST
PAGE 12
DOING OUR PART
BUILDING A DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY
COMMUNITY
Keeping My MindFit and Healthy
TIPS ON TAKING CAREOF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
PAGE 4
EDITOR’SNOTE
CONTENTS
04 In FocusHealthy Mind, Healthy You
12 In Your ShoesCare Begins with the Community
16 Pro FilesTogether is Better!
19 Gotta Have itBringing Dementia FriendsTogether
22 Ask An ExpertDementia and Dental Care
The Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) aims to create a vibrant care community for people to live well and age gracefully. AIC coordinates and supports efforts in integrating care to achieve the best care outcomes for our clients. We reach out to caregivers and seniors with information on staying active and ageing well, and connect people to services they need. We support stakeholders in their efforts to raise the quality of care, and also work with health and social care partners to increase services for the ageing population. Our work in the community brings care services and information closer to those in need. For more about us, please visit www.aic.sg.
ABOUT THE AGENCY FORINTEGRATED CARE
NEXTSTEP is a publication by the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC). The views and opinions expressed or implied in NEXTSTEP do not necessarily reflect those of AIC or its directors or editorial staff. All information is correct at time of print.
PUBLISHER Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) www.aic.sg
For all editorial queries and feedback, please email to [email protected] (P) 132/01/2018
CHIEF EDITORLim Soon Hua
EDITORIAL TEAMElizabeth Njo, Yap Yeong Min, Amanda Yan, Raquel Lee, See Yen Theng, Elaine Soh, Foo Chen Chin, Taufiq Nazri, Joanne Ong, Andrea Loh and Pollyna Lai
The state of our mental health plays an important role in the way we handle our emotions, manage stressful situations and relate to others. It is important at every stage of our lives, from young to old. Yet, we often take our mental wellbeing for granted.
Each year, we commemorate World Mental Health Day on 10 October to raise awareness about the importance of mental health as well as the various conditions and issues. Besides encouraging people to take better care of their mental health, we also hope to create a more supportive community for people with mental health needs. As such, this year's theme was "Be Understanding. Be Supportive".
Jeffrey Wong, a working caregiver, recounts how he and his family found out that his grandmother has dementia. He shares the support they got from the community such as the day care centre near their home, and how training subsidies to send his helper for caregiver training helped.
Professional boxer, Muhammad Ridhwan Bin Ahmad, shares how he keeps mentally fit while juggling training and his commercial businesses at the same time. He shares tips on practising mental wellness and respite, and why taking care of his mental health is important even while he is fit and healthy.
We also speak to Linda Chua, an ex-banker who is managing her bipolar disorder. She reveals how sharing her own experience during her internship at AMKFSC Community Services helped others in their recovery journey.
And if students can play a part in building a supportive community for those with mental health conditions, so can we. Polytechnic students, S Darshanaa Nair and Choo Xian Kai, took part in an intergenerational project to bring seniors with dementia on outings. To prepare for that, they went through training to gain a fuller understanding of the condition.
If you are a caregiver, or if you know of someone caring for a loved one with mental health conditions, we hope that this issue comes in handy. There are support and services in the community for those with mental health issues and conditions as well as their caregivers. Help us spread the word!
Finally, during this holiday season, let’s take a break and give our mental health some tender loving care.
Season‘s Greetings!
Lim Soon HuaChief Editor
02 03CONTENTS EDITOR’S NOTE
Brain Power – Games like puzzles, mahjong and Sudoku can help keep your mind active while you take a break.
Mental health is as important as physical health. Mental health issues can affect anyone. We know about the keys to physical health – a balanced diet, exercising regularly and having sufficient rest. What about mental health then? In this section, hear from three individuals on how you can keep your mind “fit”, manage a mental health condition and seek support from the community.
Healthy Mind, Healthy You
Fighting Fit
As the saying goes, “prevention is better than cure”. Meet Muhamad Ridhwan Bin Ahmad, 30, a professional boxer who believes in keeping his mind in tip-top shape as well!
Pursuing a Passion
Ridhwan is no stranger to hard work. Besides being a professional boxer, he also runs two gyms, and a food business.
Achieving his dreams has not been easy. On top of the strenuous training and pressure to do well for every boxing match, he is also busy managing his businesses. Talk about work stress.
Thanks to his high-profile career, he gets his fair share of negative comments from critics
on social media. He has learnt to tune them out, preferring to focus on himself and doing his best.
To stay fighting fit, Ridhwan shares that physical health is not enough – mental wellbeing is equally important. Here are his mental health care tips to cope with stress and strengthen his mental resilience.
Caring for the Mind
1. Practise mindfulness
To mentally prepare for my matches, I keep a journal to monitor my emotions during training. By putting my thoughts into words, I feel calmer and it is easier for me to see the bigger picture. I note what makes me tick and learn how to manage my emotions. That way, I can avoid becoming too emotional during the match.
2. Surround yourself with your loved ones
I meet my friends during my free time. I like to be around people who understand me and won’t judge me. It’s good to have someone who will lend a listening ear.
3. Reach out for support
The first step to healing is to realise that you need help and not be afraid to ask for it. So if you are feeling stressed, you should ask someone for support.
4. Have some alone time
While I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, it’s important to have some alone time too. As I constantly face multiple demands, I rarely have time for myself. But I make it a point to set aside some ‘me time’ to recharge.
5. Discover your purpose
Boxing is not about winning but about giving my best. When I reflect on my goals, I realise that my purpose is to give others hope. Some people have reached out to me on social media telling me that they feel inspired after learning about my fighting journey. It’s fulfilling to know that I can motivate others through what I do.
6. Be grateful for what you have
Not winning gold at the 2015 SEA Games left me feeling disappointed. I wanted to quit boxing and become a coach
instead. But during my coaching course, I met a boxer who couldn’t compete anymore because of an injury. It was a wake-up call. I felt grateful that I can still box and picked myself up.
7. Have a positive mindset
I try to stay positive as unhappiness can affect one’s physical health. While I can be a perfectionist, I know that life has its ups and downs. The key thing is to have faith that things will get better.
A four-step guide for mental wellnessthat’s as simple as ABC(D)!
Mental health is important because how you see things can affect how you live your life. While life can be difficult, having a positive mental state will give you the motivation to carry on and make things easier.
Stay Active – Exercising regularly will keep you healthy and help with stress management.
Keep Connected – Taking part in community events or keeping in touch with family and friends can help prevent mental health conditions like depressionand dementia.
Diet Right – Having a healthy diet can improve your physical wellbeing, making you feel more positive!
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For more tips and guides, go to Mental Health Awareness SG on Facebook at https://bit.ly/2DZMfND
Ridhwan practises various self-care techniques to cope with stress and keep his mental health �ghting �t.
04 05IN FOCUS IN FOCUS
Getting Support and Management
With the support of her mother, Linda went to a polyclinic to seek help in early 2013. There, she was referred to a hospital where she was eventually diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
At first, she felt that she could manage her condition without medication. But in the same month of her diagnosis, insomnia caused her to go through an episode of confusion and delusion. She was admitted to the Institute of
It’s a myth that people develop mental health conditions as they get older. Many people actually start developing such conditions in their early 20s. In fact, one in eight adults in Singapore will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime.
An Unexpected Detour
In 2010, Linda faced a low point in life. Within two years, she lost her grandmother and godmother. Her business and love life hit a bump in the road. She even maxed out her credit cards to start her own business.
These life stresses caused Linda to develop extreme mood swings, insomnia, depression and manic episodes. Having attended a course on mental health previously, Linda recognised these as signs of mental health issues. She decided to take action.
Road to Recovery
Linda’s biggest source of strength is her mum, who has supported her through tough times.
By volunteering at AMKFSC Community Services, Linda (centre) hopes to share her journey so that she can help others too.
Mental Health (IMH). During her stay there, she participated in various forms of therapy involving music and origami. She also learnt the importance of medication, and how to manage her condition.
Linda started seeing a counsellor from Silver Ribbon (Singapore) (SRS) in October 2013. Her counsellor gave her a booklet on bipolar disorder so she can better understand her condition, and gave tips to help her with her recovery.
Linda said, “My counsellor
advised me to take deep breaths to calm myself down and to write letters to myself as a form of motivation. I also learnt how to monitor my sleep and diet to prevent insomnia which is a trigger for my condition.”
Currently, Linda continues to manage her condition by going for regular follow-ups at the hospital, taking medication and attending counselling at SRS. With the support from her family and the community, Linda’s condition has stabilised.
“I’m very blessed to have support around me. If I face a relapse, I will review my condition with my doctor and counsellor. My mum will also
share with them what she observed. I’m glad to have her by my side throughout my recovery journey,” said Linda.
A Con�dant to her Peers
Linda’s counsellor also encouraged her to help others by volunteering at AMKFSC Community Services. She joins their staff on home visits to meet persons with mental health needs and encourage them to seek help. Linda also volunteers at SRS to raise awareness about mental health.
Want to find out more ways to manage your mental health?Go to https://bit.ly/2qmNyOl for more information.
Source: Singapore Mental Health study conducted by IMH in 2010
“By sharing my journey, those with similar conditions can see me as an example and believe that they can get better too,” said Linda.
Helping others is also part of Linda’s own recovery journey. “I am reminded that I can still live to my full potential and contribute to the society even with a mental health condition. Besides doing volunteer work, I am a part-time tutor and I help a friend out with accounting work.”
The majority of the mental illnesses occurred by the age
of 26 years.
Many people fail to recognise their conditions early and delay treatment. Early treatment can improve the rate of recovery from mental health conditions.
Ex-banker Linda Chua, 41, shares how she turned her life around with the support of mental health services within the community. Besides learning how to manage her mental health condition, she is helping others like her in their recovery journey.
Fast Facts on Mental Health
06 07IN FOCUS IN FOCUS
Signs of Change
Before leaving for the US to study in 2013, Jeffrey asked his grandmother to cook her specialty dish – chicken curry – for him. It was undercooked and tasted bad.
she kept asking me the same thing so many times.”
Jeffrey and his family decided to learn more about her condition. They researched about dementia on the Internet and read brochures to understand more about it.
With more knowledge, Jeffrey and his family cared for their grandmother with more patience. Jeffrey’s mother even printed out a checklist on speaking to a person with dementia.
“Doing small things can make a difference in caring for someone you love,” said Jeffrey.
Caring for a Loved One with Dementia
Back then, he did not think much about it. Now, he knows that this was one sign of his grandmother’s dementia. She was diagnosed with the condition later that year.
As her condition progressed, her behaviour started to change. She became more child-like. She would also eat constantly, forgetting that she already had her meals.
Learning about Dementia
At first, they could not understand her condition. Jeffrey shared, “It was difficult for me to accept that she’s not the same person anymore. I was impatient when
Thanks to support from the community, Jeffrey and his parents can better take care of his grandmother who has dementia.
Did you know that one in 10 Singaporeans over 60 is likely to get dementia?
By 2030, the number of persons with dementia is expected to
more than double to 103,000.
Half of those aged 85 and above are diagnosed with the condition.
If you are caring for a loved one with dementia now, or if you are concerned that you might do so in the future, here’s a list of support in the community.
• For more caregiving resources on dementia, visit https://bit.ly/2Ubaw95.
• Download the Dementia Friends app (turn to page 19)
Source: Wellbeing of the Singapore Elderly (WiSE) study conducted byInstitute of Mental Health in 2013
Support from the Community
In 2015, Jeffrey’s grandmother was hospitalised because of a stroke. As his grandmother was still physically active, the hospital recommended that she attend Alzheimer’s Disease Association’s (ADA) dementia day care centre in Toa Payoh during the week to keep her mind active and prevent her condition from worsening.
She still goes to the centre three times a week. She takes part in arts and crafts and plays games with seniors. She also does physiotherapy such as leg exercises.
Seeing her stay active and socially engaged gives Jeffrey’s family peace of mind. Before, they were worried that she would be lonely from staying at home all day. On days when she’s at home, their helper will care for her together with Jeffrey’s mum. Both of them have also attended ADA’s caregiver training courses, learning basic skills such as moving someone to and from the wheelchair and bed.
Jeffrey, his family and their helper found their caregiving balance after learning more about the condition and tapping on the support available in the community.
• General Practitioners (GPs): Over 140 of them are currently certified to assess whether someone has dementia and to provide ongoing medical support.
The full list can be found on https://bit.ly/2qmNyOl
• Contact the following helplines if you need more information and support.
a. Agency for Integrated [email protected]
b. Singapore Silver Line1800-650-6060
c. Dementia Helpline by Alzheimer's Disease Association6377 0700
Jeffrey Wong, 28, and his family looks after their 83-year-old grandmother who has dementia. With support of Community Care services, Jeffrey and his family juggle both their own commitments with their caregiving duties.
Fast Facts on Dementia
08 09IN FOCUS IN FOCUS
I f youare a
caregiver
If you need more details, do writeto AIC’s First Touchpoint via [email protected]
Like Ridhwan, you can strengthen your mental wellbeing through coping strategies such as finding ways to de-stress and relax. If you need help managing stress or mental health issues like Linda, do seek help early. And if you are a caregiver like Jeffrey, there is support available in caring for someone with a mental health condition. Here are some examples of the support you can find near home.
LEARN how to stay mentally “fit” through courses and talks on topics like mindfulness, stress management at home and family relationship building.
STAY ACTIVE and make new friends by taking part in activities at your nearest wellness centres.
STAY IN TOUCH with your family and friends! Go out and take part in hobbies together.
REACHOUT to thecommunity for support, e.g. community outreach teams. Many frontline staff from the grassroots, government and corporate organisations are trained to provide basic support on mentalhealth and dementia.
SEEK ADVICEfrom a social worker or counsellor if you think you or someone is mentally troubled or feel overwhelmed.
SEEK HELPfrom community intervention teams that provide psychotherapy, basic emotional support, caregiver education and care coordination.
VISIT a GP, or a doctor at the polyclinic / specialist outpatient clinic for consultation, assessment andtreatmentnear home.COMMUNITY
INTERVENTION teams work with doctorsto provide additionalsupport.
SUPPORTone another in your recovery journey by joining support groups formed by various community organisations.
RELIEVEthe stress of caring for loved ones at home by tapping on caregiver support and respite services such as theeldersit service.
CONSIDER dementia or psychiatric day care for your loved one so you can work with peace of mind.
STAY-IN CAREand support is available at nursing homes and psychiatric rehab centres if you are unable to care for your loved one at home.
GO FOR caregiver training courses to learn how to better care for your loved one instead of worrying you are doing it poorly.
TAKE CAREof your own wellbeing. Talk to other caregivers for emotional support by joining a caregiver support group. Dementia-Friendly Communities have caregiver support networks that organise activities for caregivers that emphasise self-care.
A Network ofCare and Support
How can youprevent mentalhealth issues
What should youdo if you feel
mentallyunwell
How can youget care and
support
WECARE
10 11IN FOCUS IN FOCUS
Dementia is an illness that affects the brain, one’s memory, ability to communicate as well as plan and carry out daily activities. It can happen at any age but is more common among those above 65.
In a rapidly ageing Singapore, people with dementia generally live well with an understanding and supportive community, but we can always do more to support these individuals. In 2016, the Dementia-Friendly Singapore initiative was born to encourage communities to be more dementia-friendly. Find out how an ex-caregiver and two polytechnic students are doing their part to make their community more dementia-friendly by learning more about this condition.
Care Begins
police station for more help.
One of the ways to prevent the early onset of dementia that I learnt was to stay active socially and to keep my mind active. Since then, I have been participating in the activities at Queenstown CC. I also serve the community in a few ways, such as teaching at a community services centre in Kallang and volunteering as a befriender in Clementi.
Caregivers Supporting Caregivers
In 2017, I found out about
with the Community
Queenstown Caregivers Connect after attending a caregivers’ wellbeing talk. It is a support network that brings caregivers together so that they can exchange tips and take a break from their duties.
I joined the support network because I wanted to help other caregivers. I know what it is like to take care of someone and the importance of having support.
During the sessions, I talk to the other caregivers and provide a listening ear. We also conduct
sharing sessions to exchange our experiences and caregiving tips with each other. Usually, I will share with the other caregivers the knowledge that I learnt through attending talks and courses on dementia.
I am glad that my dementia knowledge is able to help not just me, but the friends I have made here in Queenstown Caregivers Connect. Caregiving is a long journey but with one another’s support, we can go the distance.
Learning about Dementia
I first got to know about the course on dementia at Queenstown Community Centre (CC) because my friends told me about it. I was
interested in learning more about the condition because I was worried that I might get it too. This was back in 2015.
The course was really helpful. I learnt that health conditions such as high blood pressure can lead to a higher chance of getting dementia. So I try to eat more healthily.
I also learnt how to spot people showing signs and symptoms of dementia and help them. For example, if I think someone who is lost has dementia, I will ask them simple questions such as where they are staying to see if they can recall. If they cannot remember, I will bring them to the nearest CC or
Once a caregiver, 72-year-old Mdm Oh Peck Wah cared for her husband for 11 years before he passed on in 2011. She became interested in learning more about dementia five years ago, after her youngest sister was diagnosed with the condition. Her knowledge has stood her in good stead in helping others in the community, including caregivers.
Mdm Oh always takes extra care when tending to Queenstown CC's garden. They share their garden's harvest with the community.
12 13IN YOUR SHOES IN YOUR SHOES
From research to site recees, Xian Kai and Darshanaa worked tirelessly to make sure Silver Outings was a success.
Besides dementia training, students also learnt how to safely move and transfer seniors on a wheelchair.
Nanyang Polytechnic students, 18-year-old Choo Xian Kai and 21-year-old S Darshanaa Nair, started Silver Outings as an initiative under their school’s Community Service Club (CSC). They wanted to get youths to do their part in supporting seniors to stay active in their community. As part of the programme, students go on outings with seniors from NTUC Health SilverACE (Henderson) to places such as Changi Airport’s Terminal 4.
The students also went for training to learn more about dementia and how to communicate with them as part of their preparations. Find out what they learnt from the training and from their interactions with the seniors.
Silver Outings’ Beginnings: Choo Xian Kai
Our club started this programme because we wanted to do something different. Most of our community service activities for seniors are usually at the centres. We thought that bringing the seniors out would be more interesting for everyone.
During the outings, I talked to two seniors who have dementia. I noticed that I had to keep repeating myself. As I’ve gone through training, I know that their condition causes them to be confused so it takes time for them to understand certain things. Thanks to the training, I have learnt to be more patient with them.
As a result of Silver Outings, I realised that we need to do more to support those with dementia. For us youth, we may not see the importance
of knowing more about the condition as it doesn’t affect us right now. Yet, it can affect our loved ones especially as they get older. I think that we
Like Mdm Oh, Xian Kai and Darshanaa, everyone can do their part in building a supportive community for persons with dementia and their families so that they can continue living well at home. This is what the Dementia-Friendly Singapore initiative aims to do.
Some ways this is being done are through providing support for caregivers of those with the condition and raising public awareness of the signs and symptoms of dementia. Efforts to date have led to over 25,000 persons being trained to recognise the condition and support those with dementia. This includes members of the public like grassroots volunteers, shop and business owners, community partners and students.
To find out how you can play a part in building a supportive community for persons with dementia, visit https://bit.ly/2PfALre
Bridging the Gap: S Darshanaa Nair
During the training session by the Agency for Integrated Care, I learnt how to communicate with seniors who have dementia. For instance, I should talk slowly and use simpler sentences. I also learnt how to look out for the signs and symptoms of the condition, such as memory problems and confusion.
On my way back from an outing with a senior with dementia, she kept asking me what she needed to do when she got home. She
also forgot that we had eaten during the outing and ate again at home. But thanks to the dementia training, I was more patient with her.
Singapore has an ageing population so it is important to bridge the generation gap between youths and seniors. We need to make sure that our seniors feel that they are a part of society. That’s why we started Silver Outings. The connection and bond we build allow both seniors and youths to feel more involved in their communities.
should reach out to more people, not just in schools but also at community centres, to educate them about dementia.
Building a Dementia-FriendlySingapore
14 15IN YOUR SHOES IN YOUR SHOES
Together
Community intervention teams work hand in hand with community partners like General Practitioners (GPs) in the Mental Health GP Partnership Programme to provide healthcare support to persons with mental health needs.GP Dr Mark Yap, and social worker Lee Soo Chin, from one of the teams tell us more about their roles and how they work together to support their clients in their recovery journey.
Q What is the role of a community intervention team?
Soo Chin: Our teams are made up of counsellors, occupational therapists, psychologists, nurses and programme coordinators. We provide counselling, psychotherapy, coordinate care and support caregivers of those with mental health conditions. In this way, we complement the care provided by GPs in managing clients with mild to moderate mental health needs so that they can continue to live well at home and in the community.
Q GPs are usually the �rst point of contact for many of your clients. How do you work together to manage your client's condition?
SC: While GPs are the first to identify the condition, our team provides social and emotional support for the clients and their caregivers to better manage their condition. For instance, if the client is confused about how to take their medication, we can explain it to them during our home visits. During such visits, we will also evaluate their condition and with their caregivers, develop or review their care plan.
Mark: I have been working with the community intervention teams since 2014. I see about four to eight clients a month who may have anxiety condition, depression and schizophrenia. If they need more support such as counselling, I will email to the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) via [email protected] with the client’s details, medical background and condition for referral to the community intervention team for their follow up.
Q How do you provide support for your clients?
M: People usually feel more comfortable talking to their family doctor. As a GP in the Mental Health GP Partnership Programme, I can also assess and diagnose patients with mental health conditions. When my patients tell me how they feel unwell, I will also check if their symptoms may be due to an underlying mental health condition. If they are, I will refer them to the community intervention team for further support while I continue seeing them for the condition and provide medication if needed.
SC: When AIC sends us information on the clients for follow up, we will go down to theirhomes to evaluate their condition and develop or review their care plan with their caregivers. We also educate the clients about their
is Better!
Dr Mark Yap, 48Family Physician,Cashew Medical & Surgery Clinic Pte Ltd
Lee Soo Chin, 32Senior Social Worker,Montfort Care (Community intervention team service partner)
conditions so that they can better manage it. Besides partnering AIC, we also work with other community partners like grassroots organisations and hospitals to support their residents or patients with mental health needs.
M: As for me, I often keep in touch with the community intervention team to stay up to date with my patient’s condition. If I notice that someone has not returned to my clinic for follow ups or medication, I will also contact the
team to see if my patient is doing okay.
Q Why is it important for different partners to work together?
SC: By working together, we can provide care in a more well-rounded manner to the client.
M: Their team and I will also share information as patients may tell different people different issues about themselves.
Q How did both of you work together to help Mdm A manage her anxiety?
SC: We provided counselling sessions at her home and taught her how to better understand and manage her condition. Now that she is better, we continue with home visits to help her manage her condition. For instance, we set different goals for each session such as supporting her in overcoming her daily anxieties.
M: Besides being more aware of her condition, the counselling sessions also made Mdm A realise that her health comes first. With medication and a break from work, she overcame her condition. Should the need arise again, she now knows who to turn to for support.
16 17PRO FILES PRO FILES
SC: When AIC sends us information on the clients for follow up, we will go down to theirhomes to evaluate their condition and develop or review their care plan with their caregivers. We also educate the clients about their
conditions so that they can better manage it. Besides partnering AIC, we also work with other community partners like grassroots organisations and hospitals to support their residents or patients with mental health needs.
M: As for me, I often keep in touch with the community intervention team to stay up to date with my patient’s condition. If I notice that someone has not returned to my clinic for follow ups or medication, I will also contact the
Good news, caregivers! There’s a new mobile app that serves as a useful resource if you are looking after loved ones with dementia. Find out more about the Dementia Friends mobile app and hear from caregiver, Mr Pang Teck Chye, on how he would benefit from it.
A New App for Caregivers
The Dementia Friends mobile app provides caregivers with easy access to information and resources on topics such as dementia and caregiving, as well as the community support available for persons with dementia.
The app also connects you to a network of Dementia Friends. These are members of the public who are familiar with the signs and symptoms of dementia. They know how to interact and communicate with persons with dementia, help to keep a lookout for missing people with the condition and extend a helping hand when needed.
The Dementia Friends mobile app is developed by the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), Nanyang Polytechnic’s School of Information Technology, Integrated Health Information Systems (IHiS) and supported by the Tote Board.
Dr Tan Weng Mooi,Chief of AIC’s Community Mental Health Division
The app was developed as part of the Dementia-Friendly Singapore initiative to build a supportive community for persons with dementia and their caregivers. Besides providing resources and information, the app also harnesses the power of community and social media to support them.
BringingDementia FriendsTogether
Road to RecoveryMdm A was diagnosed with anxiety after she experienced weight loss, high blood pressure and sleeping problems due to work stress. In August 2018, Dr Yap referred Mdm A to a community intervention team. Soo Chin’s team took up her case. Over two to three sessions, Mdm A’s condition improved.
team to see if my patient is doing okay.
Q Why is it important for different partners to work together?
SC: By working together, we can provide care in a more well-rounded manner to the client.
M: Their team and I will also share information as patients may tell different people different issues about themselves.
Q How did both of you work together to help Mdm A manage her anxiety?
SC: We provided counselling sessions at her home and taught her how to better understand and manage her condition. Now that she is better, we continue with home visits to help her manage her condition. For instance, we set different goals for each session such as supporting her in overcoming her daily anxieties.
M: Besides being more aware of her condition, the counselling sessions also made Mdm A realise that her health comes first. With medication and a break from work, she overcame her condition. Should the need arise again, she now knows who to turn to for support.
18 19PRO FILES GOTTA HAVE IT
Mr Pang Teck Chye’s 88-year-old father with dementia has gone missing more than 10 times since 2016. Each time, he and his worried siblings would ask their friends and relatives to keep a lookout. They would also post on Facebook, hoping that someone might have seen their father. “I would have definitely used the app if it was available then. I could have asked more
people to help look for my father,” said Mr Pang, 61. They lost no time downloading it after its launch in mid-2018. He also finds the app’s other features, such as resources on caregiving and nearby Go-To Points, useful. “When we first found out he had dementia, we did not know what to do. It would have been useful to have such information at our fingertips!”
STEP 4Read through a simple tutorial and sign up. Thank you for offering to support those with dementia and their caregivers.
STEP 5Tap on the top left corner to access the different categories. Under “Finding My Loved One”, you can ask other Dementia Friends to keep an eye out for your loved one if he or she goes missing. The app will send out an alert to the Dementia Friends to keep a lookout. Go to “Recent Sightings” to see if anyone saw him or her.
(PS: With your contact details stored on the app, Dementia Friends can contact you directly if they spot him or her.)
ExpandingNetworksSTEP 1
Download the Dementia Friends mobile app from Apple App Store or Google Play.
STEP 2Launch the app, sign up as a Dementia Friend by filling up your details.
STEP 3You will receive a One-Time Password (OTP) via SMS. Key in the OTP into the app.
******
ABCD Signs & symptoms
App features:
• Learn about the signs and symptoms of dementia.
• Get tips on how to communicate with those with the condition.
• Find out about nearby resources in the community that can support persons with dementia and their caregivers such as the Go-To Points. These also act as safe return points for persons with dementia who are lost.
• Receive notifications on upcoming events such as trainings, screenings and talks for caregivers.
• Tap on the network of Dementia Friends in the community to help you look out for your loved ones with dementia if they go missing.
Mr Pang Teck Chye (left) and his father having breakfast.
Cognitive Decline:Unable to make decisions and perform calculations. Falls easily and is forgetful.
Disorientation:Finds difficulty in distinguishing time, place and space.
Activities:Unable to do daily activities or tasks such as wearing clothes, looks unkempt and have poor hygiene.
Behaviour:Shows signs of social withdrawal, loss of initiative, loss of interest in activities, changes in mood.
How to use the mobile app
20 21GOTTA HAVE IT GOTTA HAVE IT
NEXTSTEP is a quarterly magazine by the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) that shares inspiring stories and information on ageing well at home. Stay up-to-date on services available in the community and financial assistance to help seniors with their care needs.
Fulfilling the wishes of our seniors to be at home, close to their family and loved ones, is possible. Let award-winning NEXTSTEP tell you how.
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YOUR GUIDE TO COMMUNITY CARE IN SINGAPORE
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YEAR 2015 ISSUE 10
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My senior at home has dementia and i t ’s dif f icult for me to get him to brush his teeth or go for dental check-ups. What can I do?
Dental Care at Home
Those with dementia often don’t brush because they may forget why they should do it, or how to do it. They may also forget to brush certain areas.
As their dementia progresses, your loved one will not be able to respond as well to what you say. When talking, use short and simple sentences. Talk slowly to help him understand you.
You can also use non-verbal cues to encourage and remind him to brush his teeth.
Examples of non-verbal cues include:• Putting pictures of brushing instructions near
the sink.• Using toothpaste that stains plaque. That way
he can see the places that need brushing.• Brushing your teeth with him can also remind
him of the correct way of cleaning his teeth.• Holding his hand and guiding it to the areas
that he forgot to clean.
Visiting a Dentist
Your loved one will find it hard to recall recent events and adapt to new environments. So before going to a dentist, prepare him for these changes. This will help to make him less anxious.
Here are some things you can do.
Before the visit:• Inform him of the date and time of the visit.• Write down the visit details and put it where he
can see to help him remember.• Make sure he has enough rest so he is calmer.
During the visit:• It would be best to go with him so you know
how to follow up with his dental care. • Tell the dentist about his dental habits. The
dentist will advise how you can keep your loved one’s teeth and gums healthy at home.
After the visit:• Make sure to follow the dentist’s advice. • Practise with your loved one on the correct way
to brush his teeth.
Where to Go?
If your loved one has mild dementia: • You can bring him to a general dentist
for a check-up. They will carry out needed treatments and refer him for further procedures, if any.
If your loved one has moderate to severe dementia: • It is best to bring him to a dentist who is
trained in geriatric and special needs as they can understand and manage his behaviour better.
• Specialised dental services are available at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, National University Hospital and National Dental Centre of Singapore (NDCS).
• The NDCS has a Geriatric Special Care Dentistry Clinic with dentists who are additionally trained in dementia and are supported by a team of other specialists. The clinic is also specially designed to allow the easy transfer of seniors in wheelchairs onto the dental chair.
Dr Yang JingrongAssociate Consultant Department of Restorative Dentistry,National Dental Centre Singapore
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Have more questions on mental health? You can email to [email protected].
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