An extract from an interview with Ms Jasmine He who works as a Therapy Aide in Silver Circle (Taman Jurong), caring for seniors including some with early signs of dementia.

"To be able to work with the elderly has always been something that I wanted to do. And, that was why I joined NTUC Eldercare some three years ago.

I'm now working as a Therapy Aide (TA) at Silver Circle (Taman Jurong) Day Care Centre. My daily duties include looking after our seniors, attending to their needs, as well as to guide and supervise them in activities such as group and individual exercises, informal chit-chats, etc.

Recently, I was given a new responsibility to interact with the seniors at the centre who have early signs of dementia. Together with my other colleagues, I attended the dementia care training conducted by the Institute of Mental Health. During the course, I learnt more about dementia and how I could engage seniors with dementia more constructively. I also learnt how to manage certain situations that might arise due to dementia.

After the training, with the professional help from the IMH, my colleagues and I set up a special corner in the centre where we can organise interesting activities to engage seniors with early signs of dementia. The corner has furniture and items from the 70s, to help our seniors go back to the stage where their memory is still fresh. We will use these items to facilitate conversations about daily living and more. In the process of these conversations, we are able to stimulate the seniors' thought processes.

Although it is more challenging to care for seniors with dementia, the greatest satisfaction for me is when I witnessed significant improvement in the seniors after weeks into the programme. I feel very encouraged that I can make a difference in their lives. Unlike in the past, I am now more confident in caring for seniors with dementia".  

A special corner in Silver Circle (Jurong Central) where seniors can share about the fond memories of their younger days.

The reality orientation board in Silver Circle (Taman Jurong) which reminds seniors of the time of the day.

Various materials were placed on the walls, so that seniors can touch them as they walk about in the centre. This helps to stimulate their sense of touch.

For more information on Dementia Care, please call Silver Circle (Taman Jurong) - 6268 3108, Silver Circle (Jurong Central) - 6561 4989 or email to ecare@ntuceldercare.org.sg.