Mind-Body Wellness Programmes
Mind-body wellness programmes provide the opportunity for multimodal intervention for persons living with mild to moderate dementia, and aim to maintain or improve the cognitive function and overall well-being of participants. Through 3-hour sessions, participants can enjoy activities such as physical exercises, cognitive training or stimulation and social engagement.
Dementia Care Training for Care Professionals
To build competency and capability of Care Professionals, the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) developed the Dementia Care Competency Framework to align the training pathways. This alignment was made to improve the quality of care provided to persons living with dementia and support for their caregivers.
Behavioural & Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)
Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) is a term used to refer to a spectrum of non-cognitive symptoms and behaviours in persons living with dementia.
These changes in their mood and behaviour are often caused by a variety of factors such as the specific changes to the area of their brain affected by their condition, medical issues (i.e., pain and infection) as well as unmet needs.
Tips to Improve the Shower and Bath Experience
Dementia is a progressive condition, in which those living with moderate or advanced dementia will require support in carrying out activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, walking, and eating. For many, bathing and showering are activities that are rather private and intimate. The same applies to persons living with dementia. Thus, it is understandable that they may feel uncomfortable receiving assistance and may find it difficult to adjust to this change.
Nutrition & Hydration Needs for Persons Living with Dementia
The type of food we eat will affect our health and quality of life. While there is no special diet required for persons living with dementia, the condition may bring about challenges to proper nutrition, hydration, and weight maintenance. Here are a few ways to ensure that your loved one has a well-balanced and nutritious diet, drinks sufficient amounts of liquid, and maintains physical and mental well-being.
Decommissioning of Dementia Friends App
The Agency of Integrated Care (AIC) has announced that the Dementia Friends App will be decommissioned from 31 December 2022. The Dementia Friends app was developed to empower caregivers with the knowledge, resources and support they need to better care for their loved ones living with dementia. The app also served as a platform for caregivers to alert the community, including members of public who have signed up as Dementia Friends, in the event that their loved one goes missing.
Museum Activities for Persons Living with Dementia
Museums serve as iconic cultural landmarks in Singapore and are considered community spaces for many art, history and science lovers in the country. This includes persons living with dementia and their caregivers. However, persons living with dementia may feel uneasy and experience difficulty navigating and engaging with artefacts owing to a number of reasons. These range from a museum’s layout to other dementia-specific factors like overstimulation and communication needs.
Tips for Communicating with Persons Living with Dementia
As the condition of a person living with dementia progresses, the way in which others communicate and interact with them should also change in order to tailor the interaction to their needs, and to make the most of each conversation or interaction.
Preparing for Doctor’s Visit
Being well-prepared for a doctor’s visit will be beneficial to you and your loved one living with dementia. Keep a symptom diary for your loved one A diary helps you keep track of signs and symptoms experienced by your loved one. Record the symptoms or behaviours exhibited – when and how they started and how frequently they happen – and use these records to communicate any concerns you may have when it comes to caring for your loved one. This will also help the doctor in keeping track and administering a more tailored treatment plan.
