Dementia Day Care Centre opens in Ang Mo Kio

SINGAPORE — A new Dementia Day Care Centre has opened in Ang Mo Kio under AWWA Elderly Services, the senior care arm under the Asian Women’s Welfare Association (AWWA).

Funded by the Health Ministry, the new facility at Block 123, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6 can look after around 40 people with dementia each day.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who is also MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC, graced the official opening of the 292sqm centre today (Jan 17). While dementia cannot be cured, there is evidence that medical care and meaningful activities can help reduce the rate of deterioration in the cognitive abilities of people with dementia, AWWA said in a statement.

The new centre will be integrated with other nearby AWWA elderly services — including a senior activity centre, community home and senior care centre. The expanded AWWA Elderly Services will be able to serve 500 clients each year.

Speaking at the event, Mr Lee noted that Singaporeans are getting older. Three years ago, one in nine was aged 65 and above. But last year, the number became one in eight. In particular, one in six Ang Mo Kio residents is already 65 and above.

Mr Lee noted that as the population gets older, the neighbourhood must be upgraded so that Ang Mo Kio can remain a community for all ages. He added that community care facilities are being built up in the town.

For example, the new Ang Mo Kio polyclinic will be ready by 2018 and will be co-located with a new Senior Care Centre. The new Dementia Day Care Centre is another addition.

The centre is expected to help the elderly who display symptoms of social disconnectedness and who are assessed to have mild dementia, with difficulty recognising time, places and people. CHANNEL NEWSASIA