An Evaluation of The Dementia Friendly Communities Concept in Singapore

February 2017 – January 2019 (Pilot Study – Completed)
PI: Dr Anna Lane (LKYCIC, SUTD)
Co-PI: Dr Belinda Yuen (LKYCIC, SUTD)
Team: Ms Freya Yu (LKYCIC, SUTD)

June 2019
PI: Dr Belinda Yuen (LKYCIC, SUTD)
Co-PI: Dr Anna Lane (LKYCIC, SUTD)
Team: Dr Spela Mocnik (LKYCIC, SUTD)

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias such as impairments in memory, communication and spatial orientation, can make it hard for people with dementia to go about their usual everyday activities, which in turn limits that ability to remain living independently in their own home and community. To support people with dementia to age in place and to live well, residents, businesses, community organisations and government agencies are working together to build a Dementia Friendly Singapore.

A Dementia Friendly Community is a neighbourhood where residents, businesses and services, and the community at large, are aware of dementia and understand how to better support persons with dementia (PWDs) and their caregivers.  It is a place where resident PWDs feel respected, valued, and where help is within easy reach so that they can continue to lead independent lives.  It is also an environment which PWDs will be able to move around safely and with ease.  A DFC can also better support caregivers of PWDs by helping to look out for their loved ones and thus reduce the stress and fatigue they may face.

– Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Health (Source: Ministry of Health)

The main aim of this research project is to evaluate early progress in implementing the dementia friendly community concept in Singapore by exploring the lived experiences of people with dementia and assessing community awareness of dementia and support for people living with dementia and their carers.

Publications

• Lane, Anna., Yu, Freya., Loh, Katherine. & Yuen, Belinda. (2018). Pilot Survey of the Public’s Awareness of Dementia. Report for the Lee Li Ming Programme on Ageing Urbanism. Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities, Singapore University of Technology and Design.

Photo Credit: Fechi Fajardo