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Launch of Dementia-Friendly Community in Hong Kah North

 

On 19th Mar 2016, PSS participated in the launch event for the Dementia-Friendly Community as well as SGfuture focus group discussion on "Building Senior Friendly Communities" at Hong Kah North.

 

In Singapore, the prevalence of dementia is about 10% amongst seniors aged 60 and above. With a rapidly ageing population, the number of seniors with dementia is set to rise. This initiative is aimed at building a more caring and inclusive society that can support persons with dementia to age in place. It also is a national campaign to empower the community with basic awareness of dementia, communication skills with persons with dementia, and to know where to find resources. Senior Minister of State for Health Dr Amy Khor was the Guest-of-Honour.

 

Photo Caption: Launch of Dementia-Friendly Community at Hong Kah North by Dr Amy Khor.

 

Photo Caption: Ex-Officio of PSS Community Chapter Ms Tan Swee Chin and Ms Sharene Goh (pic) were present to support the event. Ms Sharene Goh represented PSS to receive the award on stage.

 

PSS is honored to be the first healthcare professional to be on board this national movement. Other partners include Alzheimer's Disease Association, Centre For Seniors, Brahm Centre, schools, grassroots organisations, family service centres, faith-based organisations and community care sector partners, such as day care centres. These stakeholders from different community groups play a crucial role as “Dementia Friends”.

Photo Caption: Awards of recognition to Friends of Dementia were presented by Dr Amy Khor.

 

After the launch, the PSS community chapter will work with AIC to engage community pharmacies to provide training for frontline pharmacy staff to be friends of dementia. Community pharmacists are the health professionals most accessible to the public, and can be a vital resource for both clients and their caregivers.

 

Pharmacy stores could potentially be the "go to point", especially in the dementia-friendly community like Hong Kah North, Yishun, Queenstown, etc. As "go-to-points", community pharmacists can help to promote awareness on dementia, provide information on dementia, and link clients or caregivers to AIC or places where they can get help.

 

We look forward to our pharmacists to be one key driver in building mental wellness in the community and one day all community pharmacy stores to be dementia friendly!

 

Prepared by: Sharene Goh