by Growing Needs | Jun 14, 2024 | Caregivers Journey, Caregiving, Community, Dementia
Since the launch of the first Action Plan for Successful Ageing in 2015, it is heartening to see that steps in the right direction have been made to ensure that seniors can take care of their physical and mental well-being, stay connected with loved ones and also continuously learn.
Fast forward a few years later, the 2023 Action Plan for Successful Ageing lays out how the right policies and support system can further enhance the well-being of seniors. This shows that addressing Alzheimers is a public health priority and The Ministry of Health is enhancing care and support for persons living with dementia, as well as their caregivers.
Zooming in on Alzheimers, an estimated one in 10 persons aged 60 and above has some form of dementia. The focus of the 2023 Healthy Ageing plan is to build a dementia-inclusive Singapore and support persons living with dementia to lead purposeful and dignified lives.
Through the 5 pillars, we break down how the healthy ageing plan is relevant in Alzheimer’s care and its relevance to you.
A heightened awareness of dementia helps the community as a whole in coming together to better support patients with dementia whilst reducing the stigma around the condition.
Early identification and diagnosis aids those with the disease to achieve better quality care by identifying cognitive impairments early and also allows caregivers time to adjust to the changes in function, mood and personality that can occur with Alzheimer’s dementia.
The focus on well-being of caregivers is encouraging to see – in that there is more recognition that caregiving is not an easy task and caregivers often struggle. Counselling and support services from the community helps to better ease this load.
Capability building in terms of training and supporting community care providers would better help bolster the support network for patients with Alzheimers and their caregivers.
This multi-pronged approach for Alzheimer’s care provides reassurance to patients with Alzheimers and their caregivers that support is readily available. Especially with the increased focus on the caregiver in recent years, it is more encouraging to know that support is available when you reach out.
Growing Needs grew out of our own encounters with caring for our aging parents and reflecting on the Growing Needs that we ourselves would face as we advance in years. We hope to build a community that will learn, share and contribute towards caring for the growing needs of our loved ones.
Popular Articles
Name
Email
Subscribe
Privacy Policy