In Singapore, persons at risk or living with dementia can be supported by an integrated mental health network that aims to help them live well in the community. This support also extends to their caregivers.

The network brings together health, social, and community care providers who serve persons with mental health conditions and their families. Learn how a caregiver is being supported by this network:

In 2012, the CARITAS Network (then known as “TC-iCommunity@North” integrated network), comprising Community Outreach Teams (CREST) and Community Intervention Teams (COMIT) and the dementia multi-disciplinary team of Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) was piloted to provide person-centred care to the community, clients and their caregivers in the north. Today, it has  expanded to include other partners, e.g. primary care providers, dementia day care partners and grassroots organisations, so that there is a continuum of care for their clients and caregivers.

Beyond building and integrating care services, a Dementia-Friendly Community is also set up in Yishun to build an inclusive environment where persons living with dementia and their caregivers will be able to get help and support, thus reducing caregiver stress and fatigue. Persons living with dementia can feel respected, valued, and confident with help within easy reach, and are able to continue to lead independent lives at home and in the community.

Both the CARITAS network and the Yishun Dementia-Friendly Community come together to provide integrated care and local community support for persons living with dementia and their caregivers.

Caregivers may not recognise the signs and symptoms of dementia and where they can seek help. The Community Resource, Engagement and Support Team (CREST) is a community outreach team that serves as a community safety network for people with and/at risk of depression, dementia and other mental health conditions. It supports their caregivers with resources they need to continue to care for their loved ones at home and in the community. In your neighbourhood, you can approach the Community Outreach Teams which are driven by the social service agencies.

Other than raising public awareness of dementia and mental wellness, the Community Outreach Teams (CREST) provide screening to promote the recognition of early signs and symptoms of dementia at individuals’ homes. If you need a listening ear for emotional support or need help to be linked up with other services, they will be able to support you.

In your neighbourhood, we also have the Community Intervention Teams which are driven by the social service agencies.

The Community Intervention Teams (COMIT) provide needs assessments, counselling and psychosocial therapy for clients and caregivers. An individualised care plan will also be developed for persons living with dementia in collaboration with other health and social care partners. Besides persons living with dementia, COMIT also supports their loved ones with in-depth information about the mental health condition and coping skills to support their caregiving journey.

There are many available care services available to support seniors who require supervision while their caregivers are at work or need assistance caring for them. These services aim to maintain and/or improve the general, physical and social well-being of seniors through therapy. These services also doubles as a place for seniors to socialise and take part in recreational activities.

There are dementia day care services which provide full day care in a centre-based setting for persons living with dementia. The centres provide structured programmes to improve or maintain the mental and physical well-being of persons living with dementia.

Activities can include:

• Mind stimulating games
• Music therapy
• Reminiscence Therapy

There are many day care centres in Singapore providing General Dementia Day Care and Enhanced Dementia Day Care services. You can find them via the E-care Locator.

There is also another programme called “Family of Wisdom” which is provided by Dementia Singapore (DSG). It is a weekly three-hour enrichment programme conducted in a small group setting where persons living with dementia are grouped according to their stage of dementia, language, age and educational profile. Find out more.

Nursing homes provide long-term residential care support to seniors who need help in daily living and nursing care. There are nursing homes which provide specific dementia facilities catering to persons living with dementia. Find out the list of nursing homes near you.