Dementia care vs memory care services: Are they the same?

Many might have come across the term dementia care and roughly have an understanding of it as providing support and medical care for patients with dementia, often known as memory loss. Whilst this is rather self explanatory, memory care on the other hand is not as commonly known. But what actually is memory care? Is it the same as dementia care? A better understanding of the difference can help you in seeking better care as you find one that is more suited to your needs. 

Dementia care services in Singapore / Memory care services in Singapore

Dementia day care centres provide a variety of captivating activities for elderly individuals, such as physical exercise, brain-teasing puzzles, culinary adventures, and artistic sessions. 

Memory clinic contact details in different hospitals in Singapore are as follows:

1. Tan Tock Seng Hospital Geriatric Medicine Clinic is situated in the basement level of the hospital building located at No.11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433. For inquiries or appointments, please call 6359 6100 or send a fax to: 6359 6101.
2. The Institute of Mental Health Psychogeriatric Clinic is located at No.10 Buangkok View, Singapore 539747. To reach them or schedule an appointment, call 6389 2200 or send a fax to: 6385 1075.
3. The Neuroscience Clinic at the National University Hospital is situated at No.5b Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119074. For any queries or to make an appointment, contact them at: 6779 5555 or send a fax to: 67795678.
4. The Geriatric Clinic at Changi General Hospital is located at No.2 Simei Street 3, Singapore 529889. To reach them or schedule an appointment, call: 68503510 or send a fax to: 6787 2141.
5. The Department of Neurology at Singapore General Hospital can be found at Outram Road, Singapore169036. For inquiries or appointments, please call 6321 4377 or send a fax to 6220 3321. You can also email them at appointments@sgh.com.sg.
6. The Neuroscience Clinic of the National Neuroscience Institute is located within the TTSH Campus situated at No.11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore. To reach them or schedule an appointment, call 6357 7095.
7. Ng Teng Fong Hospital Geriatric Medicine is located at 1 Jurong East Street 21 in Singapore 609606. You can reach them at any time by calling their general hotline number at 6716 2000. If you need to schedule an appointment, please call the dedicated appointment line at 6716 2222.

Contact local GPs and Polyclinics that have the necessary certification to offer mental health assessments and diagnoses.

Reach out to the following helplines for assistance with dementia: Dementia Singapore at 6377 0700, AIC Hotline at 1800 650 6060, and Health Promotion Board’s Health Line at 1800 223 3313.

Conclusion

If you’re unsure of the severity of your loved one’s memory loss, be sure to consult the doctor before making any care decisions.