AN EVALUATION OF THE ECOSYSTEM OF DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

In Singapore, individuals aged 65 years and above account for 14.4% of the total population and is projected to rise to 25% by 2030, equivalent to nearly a million senior citizens. Among this population, an estimated 152,000 individuals are anticipated to suffer from dementia, a specific form of cognitive impairment. The prevalence of age-related conditions, which includes dementia, poses significant consequences to both the nation’s physical and social environments.

To address these projected trends, the Ministry of Health Holdings has entrusted the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) to collaborate with community-based organisations in establishing the Community Resource, Engagement, and Support Teams (CREST). Among its objectives, CREST’s primary mission is to raise awareness of mental health conditions through targeted programs and provide emotional support and assistance to caregivers.

As of July 2023, Singapore has 16 Dementia-Friendly Communities (DFCs) as part of the CREST initiative, aiming to foster supportive environments for individuals with dementia. However, the comprehensive evaluation of these still needs to be improved.

This study intends to create a comprehensive evaluation tool for assessing the overall environment of DFCs. This tool draws inspiration from effective evaluation practices used in Sheffield, United Kingdom, known for their success. It also aligns with the five guiding principles of Dementia Hub SG for building effective DFCs. Using custom evaluation tools explicitly developed for this dissertation, the study aims to assess the quality of three pioneering DFCs in Singapore. The findings of this research will offer ratings and assessments of each DFC's ecosystem, considering both the physical infrastructure and technological solutions in place to support individuals with dementia.

A survey questionnaire focusing on various dimensions of support and care was administered to gain valuable insights into the effectiveness of Singapore’s DFC.

Findings from this study will not only provide an evaluation of the current state of DFCs but also offer recommendations to enhance the social cause and improve support for individuals with dementia. The findings will be instrumental for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community organisations to make informed decisions and advance dementia care services in Singapore.