BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR A DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE SINGAPORE - Journey from Awareness to Inclusiveness
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Contents
Foreword
Rationale
Framework
Awareness
Friendliness
Supported by
Journey from Awareness to Inclusiveness
BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR A Inclusiveness
DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE SINGAPORE
JOURNEY FROM AWARENESS TO INCLUSIVENESS 2 3 BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR A DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE SINGAPORE
CONTENTS
Contents
4 6 16 18 32 60
Foreword Rationale 3-stage Stage 1 – Stage 2 – Stage 3 –
Foreword
As Singapore works Why embark on this framework awareness friendliness inclusiveness
towards a dementia- journey? Journey to dementia- Knowledge of Supporting customers with Supporting Employees
Rationale
inclusive society, • Prevalence inclusiveness dementia dementia • Employees who are carers
businesses play a huge • Impact • Awareness • Myths and truths • Employee training • Employees with dementia
Contact us
role in driving change in • Experiences • Friendliness • Understanding • Products and services • Spotlight: Apex Harmony
DEMENTIA perception and attitude • Inclusiveness dementia • Enabling environment Lodge
SINGAPORE towards dementia. • Communication
info@
dementia
.org.sg Framework
6
Awareness
Friendliness
4 32
Inclusiveness
JOURNEY FROM AWARENESS TO INCLUSIVENESS 4 5 BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR A DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE SINGAPORE
As Singapore works towards FOREWORD
a dementia-inclusive society,
businesses play a huge role in Contents
driving change in perception and
If you are reading this, let me this dementia journey. The entry
attitude towards dementia. congratulate you and your organisation point and pace of your journey are
on taking your first step towards dependent on your organisation’s
building a dementia-inclusive society. values, priorities, and resources. But
This first step represents your interest that first step is the most crucial. Foreword
in our dementia journey that we hope The beauty of this toolkit is that
– through this dementia-inclusive it is just as applicable to an individual
business toolkit – will become your as a 1,000-strong organisation.
commitment in future. For example, individuals can
As Singapore works towards a always start a dementia-inclusive
dementia-inclusive society, businesses business initiative within his or her
Rationale
play a huge role in driving change department, and on a department-
Contact us
in perception and attitude towards level, a department-wide project
dementia. The condition not only can be wrought with greater effect.
DEMENTIA
SINGAPORE
impacts the daily lives of persons living Finally, with senior leadership buy-in,
info@ with it, but also carers who may have a whole-of-company approach can
dementia
.org.sg to sacrifice their careers – in whole create a transformational impact on
Framework
or in part – in order to care for their your organisation. We hope you will
loved ones. find the case studies and tips useful.
Through this toolkit, we are Finally, I want to express my most
hoping that companies can be grateful appreciation to our sponsor
acquainted with a three-stage Musim Mas and everyone listed in
framework of Awareness (recognising our Acknowledgements, and many
Awareness
the gravity of the issue); Friendliness more, who have contributed to this
(starting to make dementia-friendly toolkit. This would not have been
changes to its business environment); possible without your generous
and Inclusiveness (rendering support support, sharing and insights.
to staff with dementia or who are Thank you.
carers to loved ones with dementia). Friendliness
As you flip through these pages,
do know that sweeping changes
need not be made overnight. Jason Foo
Instead, we urge you to – at your CEO
own comfort – consider how far Dementia Singapore (Formerly known
your organisation wants to go on as Alzheimer’s Disease Association)
Inclusiveness
JOURNEY FROM AWARENESS TO INCLUSIVENESS 6 7 BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR A DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE SINGAPORE
Contents
Foreword
Rationale
Contact us
DEMENTIA
SINGAPORE
info@
dementia
.org.sg Framework
Awareness
Friendliness
WHY EMBARK ON THIS JOURNEY?
Prevalence • Impact • Experiences
Inclusiveness
JOURNEY FROM AWARENESS TO INCLUSIVENESS 8 9 BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR A DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE SINGAPORE
WHY EMBARK IMPACT OF DEMENTIA
ON THIS JOURNEY? In a Singapore-wide survey2 on dementia in 2019, persons with dementia and
their carers experienced rejection, loneliness and shame, and felt incompetent. Contents
PREVALENCE OF DEMENTIA IN SINGAPORE
In 2015, the Well-Being of the Singapore Elderly Study Persons
(WiSE1) by the Institute of Mental Health found that with Carers
one in 10 people aged 60 and above, and half of those dementia Foreword
aged 80 and above had dementia. Based on this, it is
estimated that more than 100,000 people in Singapore
may have dementia by 2030.
3 in 4 feel rejected and lonely Nearly 30% have been in
embarrassing public situations while
caring for persons with dementia
Rationale
60 and 80 and
Contact us
above above
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SINGAPORE
56% feel they are treated as less 70%
info@ competent due to their condition
dementia
.org.sg Framework
30%
Awareness
1 in 2
feel ashamed of their condition
More than 1 in 10 sense awkwardness
around them on such occasions
Friendliness
1
Subramaniam M. et al. (2015) Prevalence of Dementia in People Aged 2
Singapore-wide survey by Singapore Management University and ADA in 2019: 3 in 4 persons with dementia
60 Years and Above: Results from the WiSE Study. Journal of Alzheimer’s feel rejection and loneliness, national survey on dementia finds. https://dementia.org.sg/smu-ada-survey-2019
Disease, vol. 45, no. 4, pp. 1127-1138 Inclusiveness
JOURNEY FROM AWARENESS TO INCLUSIVENESS 10 11 BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR A DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE SINGAPORE
EXPERIENCES WITH DEMENTIA
Food for thought
Supermarket challenge Inattentive care
As an avid cook, Emily Ong frequents The implementation of safe- Steven Lau has moderate dementia. Persons with dementia and their
Contents
supermarkets. But frontotemporal distancing measures to tackle the His wife Wong Lai Quen, who is also carers have experienced negative
dementia, which she was diagnosed COVID-19 pandemic has made his carer, says hospital visits with him encounters in hospitals. How can
with at 51 years old, makes word- matters worse for Emily. can be tricky. hospitals and other healthcare
finding a difficulty. “Take the queue markers at She recalls the time she had to facilities, as places frequented by
“With my challenge in word-finding, supermarkets as an example. I see take their domestic helper to the persons with dementia and their
going to the supermarket, even the one them on the floor but my brain can’t hospital for treatment. They took carers, improve the patient’s Foreword
familiar to me, is a struggle. even process something as simple Steven along as they did not want experience?
“When I can’t find an item and can’t and logical as standing on the marker him to be home alone.
recall its name or the words to describe when queuing for the cashier.” The hospital attendant refused to
the item, I can’t ask for help. If I were to let Steven in as the COVID-19
approach people for help and start to safe-entry restrictions
hum and haw, they’d get frustrated. allowed only one doctors and nurses.”
Rationale
“Most supermarket employees person to accompany In another incident, Lai Quen took
Contact us
don’t know how to assist persons each patient. Steven to a specialist at a private
with dementia.” “I explained hospital. She had written a note to the
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Emily also at times forgets her that Steven had doctor beforehand to explain Steven’s
info@ bank card PIN when she tries to dementia but the condition and facilitate the consultation.
dementia
.org.sg pay for her shopping. attendant still “I wrote that Steven was living
Framework
“I either can’t remember all the refused to let him in. with dementia and that he could have
numbers or their correct sequence. “I feel trouble answering or responding to
“On one occasion, the queue that hospital questions.
was quite long, so the anxiety started employees, “The doctor simply showed the
to build up. I knew I was in trouble. including doctors note to my husband and proceeded
“When I struggled with the and nurses, are not as to ask him questions. I wasn’t
Awareness
NETS machine, the cashier shot me understanding as I hope consulted at all.
a dirty look and asked: ‘Is this even they’d be when I tell them that “I felt that we wasted the
your own bank card?’” my husband has dementia. They’d appointment. We had paid for
usually just give a cursory nod and consultation but I doubt the doctor
move on. got to the root of Steven’s issue
“I am still taken aback by this. because he spoke to only Steven, Friendliness
I’d forgive insensitive behaviours in whose answers were at times
Food for thought malls – I don’t expect everyone to incongruent.
understand dementia – but I expect “I’m perplexed by hospital staff’s
How can supermarkets make shopping more conducive for better from hospital staff, especially indifference towards dementia.”
persons with dementia, especially if they are on their own?
Inclusiveness
JOURNEY FROM AWARENESS TO INCLUSIVENESS 12 13 BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR A DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE SINGAPORE
What’s for dinner? Triggered without warning Contents
Daniel Lim is a carer to his ageing but persons with dementia have a Anjang Rosli was diagnosed with “Maybe he responded in that
parents. His mother was diagnosed different set of needs.” Lewy body dementia in 2014 at the manner because he was busy and the
with Stage 3 breast cancer in the In an ideal setting, restaurant age of 50. place was uncomfortably hot. But it
same year his father was diagnosed staff can spot persons with dementia He believes it’s best for persons made me snap. I was triggered.
with dementia. and assist accordingly. And a with dementia to be upfront with “I punched the employee and he
Daniel points out how pictorial menu might just do the the condition – so they can avoid fell. I thought nothing of my action. Foreword
common items are not created trick. Unfortunately, this is still not unpleasantness. I then said to the employee, ‘It’s
with consideration to persons with happening in most F&B settings. “I once went to an eatery famous okay, I don’t want to buy from you
dementia. He cited a challenging dining “Carers might not be able to for its fried chicken. I was craving anyway,’ and left.
experience he had with his father. articulate the support they need and its spaghetti and had gone there by “When I got home, my wife
“The menu was all text. Dad restaurant staff might not be able myself. Sarimah saw the cuts on my hand and
could read but he couldn’t associate to identify the challenges faced by “It was one of my bad days. questioned me. She was worried. I
Rationale
the words with the food. He could diners with dementia and their carers. “I called out to someone who was told her what had happened.
Contact us
not picture the food in his mind. It’s quite a conundrum.” preparing the food but I was ignored. “Sarimah took me to the eatery and
“We spent an hour trying to order I called out to the person again apologised to the employee I assaulted,
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something as simple as noodles. I felt and was greeted with a curt explaining my condition to him.
info@ eyes on us, as if accusing us of taking reply: ‘Yes. What do you “The employee gave me a big hug
dementia
.org.sg up space and wasting time. want?’ and said: ‘Uncle, I understand. The
Framework
“I had not forewarned the next time you’re here, look for me
restaurant about Dad’s condition and I will attend to you personally.’”
as I didn’t feel it’s my place to do
so and I didn’t want Dad’s dignity
compromised.
“I believe in empowering Dad
Awareness
and I let him make decisions
whenever possible.”
Food for thought
Daniel stresses that Not all persons with dementia are comfortable
he’s not asking for with disclosing their condition and their carers
preferential treatment. feel they should respect that. But concealing the
“We are part of the condition makes it difficult for service providers Friendliness
community and can be to deliver a positive experience. To counter this,
treated the same way businesses can learn to identify customers with
as other people – albeit dementia and make accommodations in discretion.
with more patience. We
understand restaurant tables
need a quick turnaround
Inclusiveness
JOURNEY FROM AWARENESS TO INCLUSIVENESS 14 15 BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR A DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE SINGAPORE
IMPORTANCE OF BEING DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE
Dementia-inclusive businesses empower persons with dementia
to be independent customers and employees, and give carers Contents
greater peace of mind. Here are 3 reasons why businesses
should embark on this journey:
1 Growing need
With the increasing prevalence of dementia, businesses
may see a rise in the number of customers or employees with Foreword
dementia. Becoming dementia-inclusive ensures that businesses
are well-equipped to address this growing need.
2 More socially savvy customers
Customers are becoming increasingly socially savvy and
demand that businesses be more socially responsible. Specific
Rationale
to dementia, a survey by Singapore Management University
Contact us
(SMU) and ADA in 2019 found that:
• Nearly 8 in 10 people wanted to do more to improve the
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SINGAPORE
lives of persons with dementia
info@ • 70% agreed that Singapore needed to provide more
dementia
.org.sg dementia-friendly amenities as customers wanted
Framework
businesses to improve their social responsibility
3 Enhanced reputation and equity
Being dementia-inclusive, whether towards customers
or employees, will enhance a brand’s reputation and equity.
Research3 found that corporate social responsibility (CSR)
Awareness
initiatives have positive impacts on brand reputation and equity.
3
Mahmood A., & Bashir J. (2020). How does corporate social responsibility transform
brand reputation into brand equity? Economic and noneconomic perspectives of
CSR. International Journal of Engineering Business Management.
Friendliness
Inclusiveness
JOURNEY FROM AWARENESS TO INCLUSIVENESS 16 17 BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR A DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE SINGAPORE
Contents
Foreword
Stage 3: Inclusiveness Rationale
To become dementia-inclusive,
Contact us
businesses take steps to
Stage 2: Friendliness support not only customers,
DEMENTIA
SINGAPORE
As businesses take action but also employees impacted
info@ to become dementia- by dementia. This includes
dementia
.org.sg friendly, they ensure the hiring and retaining employees
Framework
physical facilities and with dementia, and providing
infrastructure of their support to employees who
store are adjusted to the are carers to persons with
Stage 1: Awareness needs of customers with dementia. A truly inclusive
At this stage, businesses dementia, and employees business leaves no one behind.
are just becoming aware of are trained to support
Awareness
dementia as an issue they need and handle the needs of
to address. There is an interest customers with dementia.
to learn more about dementia.
Friendliness
3-STAGE FRAMEWORK
Journey to dementia-inclusiveness
Inclusiveness
JOURNEY FROM AWARENESS TO INCLUSIVENESS 18 19 BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR A DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE SINGAPORE
Contents
Foreword
Rationale
Contact us
DEMENTIA
SINGAPORE
info@
dementia
.org.sg Framework
Awareness
Friendliness
STAGE 1: AWARENESS
Myths and truths • Understanding dementia • Communication
InclusivenessJOURNEY FROM AWARENESS TO INCLUSIVENESS 20 21 BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR A DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE SINGAPORE
STAGE 1: TYPES OF DEMENTIA
Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of symptoms associated with cognitive
AWARENESS impairment. There are several types of dementia, each with different symptoms
and care needs, and the symptoms may overlap as the condition progresses. Contents
Below are the more common types of dementia:
The nationwide survey by SMU and ADA WHAT YOU CAN DO
in 2019 found stigmatic attitude to be Alzheimer’s is the most common psychiatric disorders like depression,
worst among people with no connection Here’s a checklist to help you type of dementia with a very subtle obsessive-compulsive disorder and
to dementia, and 57% of the respondents fulfil Stage 1 and gradual onset. It is a progressive schizophrenia have overlapping
considered themselves unknowledgeable condition where symptoms worsen symptoms. There is no treatment or Foreword
about dementia. Understand dementia over time, impacting memory, thinking cure, but medications and lifestyle
Hence it is imperative that the journey skills and eventually the ability to carry changes can help to alleviate some of
towards becoming dementia-inclusive begins Learn dementia-inclusive out daily self-care such as dressing or the symptoms.
with awareness. communication toileting.
At this stage, businesses are just becoming Dementia with Lewy Bodies
aware of dementia as an issue they need to Organise talks about Frontotemporal Dementia or Lewy Body Dementia Rationale
address. There is an interest to learn more dementia in-house and (FTD) is often characterised by (LBD) has symptoms such as
Contact us
about dementia. with business networks marked personality changes and in slowness, tremor, rigidity and visual
some cases, language difficulties. Most hallucinations. Other prominent
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people impacted by FTD are younger, symptoms include challenges with
info@ between 40-70 years. Due to the attention, organisation, problem-solving
dementia
.org.sg symptoms, FTD may be mistaken for and planning. Persons with LBD are
Framework
REGULAR AGEING DEMENTIA Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease or also more susceptible to falls because
of their increased rigidity, instability and
Memory and concentration slow gait. With these symptoms, LBD
• May misplace items but can • Misplaces items in odd places and has the features of Parkinson’s disease.
retrace steps to recall the location has difficulty recalling
• May forget details of conversations • Forgets recent conversations and Vascular Dementia is caused by Awareness
but can recall eventually asks repetitive questions disease or injury to blood vessels in the
brain, mostly strokes. Onset is normally
Mood and behaviour abrupt although it can be gradual, and
• May experience sadness or • Rapid mood swings symptoms depend on the location
anxiety due to specific reasons • May become depressed or and size of the stroke. Controlling risk
• No significant personality changes agitated when triggered factors such as high blood pressure, Friendliness
• Intact interpersonal social skills • May avoid social activities diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol and
smoking may slow progression and
Language and expression reduce the risk of stroke recurrence.
• May struggle finding the right • Difficulty in completing sentences
words to express oneself and loss of the ability to initiate
conversations
InclusivenessJOURNEY FROM AWARENESS TO INCLUSIVENESS 22 23 BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR A DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE SINGAPORE
COMMON MYTHS SURROUNDING DEMENTIA
Contents
MYTH TRUTH MYTH TRUTH
Persons with They can understand what is happening around Life isn’t worth living Dementia is a life-changing diagnosis often
dementia don’t them. Although their verbal communication may if you have dementia associated with challenges and progressive
understand what’s become impaired as the dementia progresses, it is decline. But there are ways to improve the quality
happening around important to try to communicate with them. This of life for persons with dementia, as studies Foreword
them may be done by engaging them through the five have found. It is heartening when persons with
senses, such as using visual cues or touch. Persons dementia still find meaning and joy in life.
with dementia have the right to be included.
MYTH TRUTH
MYTH TRUTH Rationale
You should correct Persons with dementia make mistakes – they
Contact us
Persons with Declining memory and ability to articulate their persons with might call you by the wrong name or get names
dementia are violent thoughts and feelings can cause persons with dementia dementia when they mixed up when telling a story. Changes to
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and aggressive to vent their frustration through their behaviour. stumble in their their brain might impact their perception of
info@ Making the environment as comfortable and calming as speech reality and correcting their errors can create
dementia
.org.sg possible can avoid upsetting situations for persons with further confusion and cause depression. It is
Framework
dementia and the people nearby. recommended that we show encouragement and
support by asking engaging questions to find out
what they are trying to express and understand
MYTH TRUTH their point of view.
Dementia is a Dementia is a general term to describe a set of
Awareness
mental illness symptoms impacting the brain, leading to a decline in MYTH TRUTH
brain function due to physical changes in the brain.
Symptoms can include loss of memory, language, Early diagnosis of Early diagnosis is crucial in determining
problem-solving and other thinking abilities, which dementia is unhelpful appropriate treatment needs for persons with
interferes with daily living. Mental illness, on the since it’s not curable dementia and to help them and their family plan
other hand, refers to a wider range of mental health for the future. A timely diagnosis also gives them Friendliness
conditions that impact mood, thought and behaviour. the opportunity to learn about their condition,
Although dementia impacts the overall mental health, understand changes as they occur, to plan and
it is not a mental illness. cope better with day-to-day challenges associated
with cognitive impairment.
InclusivenessJOURNEY FROM AWARENESS TO INCLUSIVENESS 24 25 BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR A DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE SINGAPORE
THE ABCD OF DEMENTIA
Dementia causes progressive decline
in one’s cognitive abilities, impacting
memory and other thinking skills.
on the rise. Besides memory, dementia can
impact judgment, language, planning and
behaviour, leading to increasing difficulties
C COGNITIVE DECLINE Contents
Although the risk of dementia in coping with everyday activities such • Memory loss that can disrupt daily life and impact daily routine.
increases with age, cases of younger as driving, cooking, shopping, managing Often forgets recent information. May forget important dates or
persons diagnosed with dementia is also finances or holding down a job. events, and ask the same questions repeatedly.
• Misplacing or losing items and inability to recover them. Foreword
• Difficulties in planning and thinking. May have difficulty in
A
financial transactions – handling money, paying bills and following
ACTIVITIES instructions. May also find it difficult to concentrate and take
much longer to perform a task.
Rationale
• Difficulty in performing familiar tasks a person used to do well, • Diminished judgment and social behaviour. May cease to know
Contact us
such as cooking and driving. what is appropriate or safe. For instance, using crude language or
making insensitive remarks, or touching a hot kettle.
B
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info@ BEHAVIOURAL CHANGES • Problems with visual perception – may have difficulties identifying
dementia
.org.sg objects in a familiar environment and judging distances or depths.
Framework
Activities like reading and driving may become increasingly
• Losing interest in hobbies or personal challenging.
activities, and avoiding social activities.
• Difficulties in communication or self-expression. May have
• Changes in mood, behaviour and challenges finding the right word or naming objects. May
personality. Rapid mood swings for also struggle to understand what others are saying and stop
Awareness
no reason, withdrawn from group conversing, with no idea on how to continue.
activities, becoming passive and
sleeping more than usual. Might appear
D
insensitive towards others.
DISORIENTATION
Tip Friendliness
Not all persons living with dementia will experience all • Confused about time and place. May mix up day and night, and
10 symptoms. Neither are they limited to just these read the time wrongly. For example, asking for lunch at night.
10 symptoms. Generally, be mindful and observant of May be unsure of whereabouts and feel frustrated in unfamiliar or
any progressive decline in cognitive abilities, impacting noisy places.
one’s ability to cope with everyday activities.
InclusivenessJOURNEY FROM AWARENESS TO INCLUSIVENESS 26 27 BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR A DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE SINGAPORE
STAGES OF DEMENTIA MODERATE
MILD Common symptoms:
• Needs regular reminders and prompts in daily tasks Contents
Common symptoms: • Needs help in dressing, grooming, bathing and going to the toilet
• Difficulty in planning and managing household affairs such as • Easily upset and frustrated
cleaning and cooking • Difficulty with short- and long-term memory
• Difficulty in planning and initiating activities • Difficulty in expressing emotions and making needs known
• May become socially withdrawn or experience changes in mood • Poor orientation of day, date or time
• Forgetting recent events and asking repetitive questions • Gets lost outdoors, even in familiar places Foreword
• Can’t remember the right word or name and has difficulty recalling
• Gets lost in unfamiliar places WHAT TO DO
Coping strategies Establish support Medical care
WHAT TO DO • Establish routines to • Consider wearing • If symptoms worsen,
Coping strategies Establish support Medical care help cope with failing a tracking device seek advice and
• Create to-do lists • Participate in group • Consider appointing memory, such as fixed to inform family of rehabilitation from
Rationale
and write notes as and physical activities a Lasting Power of times for shower and whereabouts family doctor or
Contact us
reminders as much as possible Attorney and discuss meals • Participate in regular specialist
• Have a physical • Have a well-balanced Advance Care Plans • Make adjustments activities to keep
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calendar and clock diet and get enough rest with family and doctor at home and in daily active and socially
info@ visible and accessible • Make regular phone calls • Continue to visit activities, such as engaged, such as
dementia
.org.sg to help keep track of to family and friends the doctor for installing grab bars in attending a dementia
Framework
time and date • Maintain relations consultation bathrooms and toilets day care centre
with community • Take medication as
• Maintain a normal prescribed
routine
Awareness
SEVERE
WHAT TO DO • Create opportunities home, depending on
Common symptoms: Establish support for outings where the situation
• Problems with balance and coordination, resulting in instability and falls • Get help to perform possible and enjoy • Maintain regular
• Total dependence in dressing, grooming, showering and feeding daily activities such as them medical consultations Friendliness
• Trouble eating and swallowing bathing, dressing and • Get financial help from • Look out for suitable
• Loss of bladder and bowel control grooming family or guardian therapy sessions
• Becoming apathetic, passive or withdrawn • Ensure the physical for continued
• No apparent awareness of past or present living environment is Medical care engagement, such
• Unable to engage in meaningful conversation pleasant and safe to • Choose to live at as music and art
prevent falls home or a nursing therapies
InclusivenessJOURNEY FROM AWARENESS TO INCLUSIVENESS 28 29 BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR A DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE SINGAPORE
DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE COMMUNICATION
To build a supportive community for persons with dementia
and their families, all it takes is patience and understanding. Contents
Remember to be KIND when interacting with persons Remember the CARE approach when communicating Foreword
who show signs of dementia and need assistance. with persons living with dementia.
K C
Keep a lookout Clear and simple language
Familiarise yourself with the signs of dementia and keep a lookout Be clear, simple and patient. Use short and simple sentences and
for people who display them. speak at a slower pace.
Rationale
A
Contact us
Acknowledge their concerns
I
DEMENTIA Interact with patience Be attentive when listening and comfort them if they express
SINGAPORE
info@ Speak softly and slowly. Be friendly and patient when waiting for a worries.
dementia response. Give the reassurance that you are there to help.
.org.sg Framework
R
Respect and reassure
Note their needs and offer help
N
Introduce yourself with a smile and give the assurance that you are
Guide them and check if they have some form of identification –
there to help.
such as the CARA card, NRIC, EZ-link card, Passion card and Pioneer
Generation card – or if they can recall the contact details of their
Awareness
next-of-kin.
E
Engage for comfort and trust
Smile and maintain eye contact. Use a friendly and encouraging
Dial for help tone, giving them time to think and respond.
D
Call the next-of-kin where possible and keep chatting with the
person with dementia until help arrives. You can also take them to
the nearest Go-To-Point (GTP) for further assistance. As a last resort Friendliness
and in the event of an emergency, call the police at 999.
InclusivenessJOURNEY FROM AWARENESS TO INCLUSIVENESS 30 31 BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR A DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE SINGAPORE
DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE When discussing dementia
The words we use can have a PREFERRED AVOID
significant and lasting impact, so it • Dementia • Demented Contents
is important to use the appropriate • Alzheimer’s Disease and other • Dementing illness
words. This is not just for the benefit forms of dementia • Affliction
of persons living with dementia, but • A type of dementia • Senile
also to change the mindset of the • Symptoms of dementia
community towards the condition.
The appropriate language should be Foreword
respectful, stigma-free, empowering, When discussing behavioural and
accurate and inclusive. Here’s a list of
psychological symptoms of dementia
preferred words and phrases:
PREFERRED AVOID
• Expressions of unmet need/s • Challenging behaviours
• Responsive behaviour/s • Difficult behaviours
Rationale
• Changed behaviour/s • Aggressor
Contact us When talking about persons with dementia
DEMENTIA
PREFERRED AVOID
SINGAPORE When discussing impacts of dementia
info@ • Person/s with dementia • Demented person
dementia
.org.sg • Person/s living with dementia • Dementia patient PREFERRED AVOID
Framework
• Person/s with a diagnosis of • Victim • Disabling • Hopeless
dementia • Sufferer • Challenging • Unbearable
• Life-changing • Devastating
• Stressful • Tragic
When talking about persons with
dementia under the age of 65 Awareness
When discussing dementia in medical
PREFERRED AVOID
context and research writings
• Young onset of dementia • Early onset of dementia
• Young-onset dementia • Pre-senile dementia PREFERRED AVOID
• Dementia as a condition • Disease (unless talking about a type of
• Person/s with a diagnosis of dementia dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease) Friendliness
• Participant (If in a research trial) • Illness
When discussing caregiving
• Subject
PREFERRED AVOID • Case
• Impact/effect of supporting • Burden of caregiving
(someone) with dementia • Carer burden
More can be found at https://dementia.org.sg/wordshurt
InclusivenessJOURNEY FROM AWARENESS TO INCLUSIVENESS 32 33 BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR A DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE SINGAPORE
Contents
Foreword
Rationale
Contact us
DEMENTIA
SINGAPORE
info@
dementia
.org.sg Framework
Awareness
Friendliness
STAGE 2: FRIENDLINESS
Employee training • Products and services • Enabling environment
InclusivenessJOURNEY FROM AWARENESS TO INCLUSIVENESS 34 35 BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR A DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE SINGAPORE
STAGE 2: Identifying customers with dementia
Besides raising awareness about dementia,
FRIENDLINESS being dementia-friendly means that your
frontline staff is trained on how to identify Contents
and interact with persons with dementia.
As businesses take action to be dementia- It is not always easy to identify a person
friendly, staff are trained to support and with dementia, and not all persons living
handle the needs of customers with with dementia are seniors. Some may appear
dementia, and the physical facilities and confused and disoriented while others may
infrastructure of the store are adjusted to the not show symptoms. Some may approach Foreword
needs of customers with dementia. you when they need help while others may
prefer to keep their condition private.
Here are some signs to help you identify
customers who may have dementia:
WHAT YOU CAN DO • They look confused and lost
Here’s a checklist to help you
• They may appear to require assistance Rationale
fulfil Stage 2
with self-service facilities or when
Contact us Enable staff through handling money
DEMENTIA dementia-related training • Their speech may be hard to understand
SINGAPORE
info@ or they may struggle to find the words to
dementia Display dementia-related express themselves
.org.sg
resources Framework
• They may not be able to understand what
you are saying
Provide customised
products and services • They may forget to pay before leaving
your store
Provide dementia-enabling
physical environment Awareness
Friendliness
InclusivenessJOURNEY FROM AWARENESS TO INCLUSIVENESS 36 37 BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR A DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE SINGAPORE
EMPLOYEE TRAINING
Online and classroom training is available for organisations and businesses that
want to increase their employees’ understanding of dementia and how to support
persons with dementia and their carers. Contents
Dementia Awareness Workshop Facilitate Meaningful Interaction *Dementia Awareness Foundation *Preventing Dementia
by Dementia Singapore (Formerly known With Persons With Dementia Level E-Learning by University of Tasmania under MOOC
as Alzheimer’s Disease Association) by Dementia Singapore by Agency for Integrated Care Dementia is a major concern as the
This training aims to raise awareness Participants will learn about the Delivered through an e-learning world population ages. Is it possible to
and inform, teaching participants how to challenges faced by persons with platform, this online training aims to lower your risk of dementia, which is Foreword
recognise and assist persons with dementia, dementia and how to engage them raise awareness and inform, teaching linked to advanced ageing and genetic
and tap community resources for support. meaningfully through effective participants how to recognise and risk factors? Research has shown that
(Call Dementia Singapore at 6377 0700 or communication strategies based on a assist persons with dementia, and tap risk factors can be altered. Preventing
go to https://dementia.org.sg/academy) person-centred approach. community resources for support. Dementia MOOC studies dementia-
(Call Dementia Singapore at 6377 0700 or (Go to https://ccmhdcomms.github.io/ prevention, drawing on expertise from
Enabling EDIE™ go to https://dementia.org.sg/academy) dementiaawareness20) around the world. The online training is
Rationale
by Dementia Singapore suitable for everyone.
Contact us
The 3-hour training lets participants *Interacting Effectively With Persons *Understanding Dementia (Go to https://www.utas.edu.au/wicking/
walk in the shoes of persons with With Dementia by University of Tasmania under the preventing-dementia)
DEMENTIA
SINGAPORE
dementia via a Virtual Reality simulation by Dementia Singapore in collaboration Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC)
info@ and learn how to develop a support with Social Service Institute (SSI) The online training leverages the
dementia
.org.sg plan in partnership with persons living Delivered through an e-learning expertise of neuroscientists, clinicians *These courses are complimentary.
Framework
with dementia and carers. platform, this online training aims to and dementia-care professionals from
(Call Dementia Singapore at 6377 0700 or equip social service professionals, the Wicking Dementia Research and
go to https://dementia.org.sg/academy) carers and volunteers with an Education Centre and beyond.
understanding of working with Learn about the diseases that cause
Tip persons with dementia. Participants
are introduced to different strategies
dementia, how it impacts a person and
how to provide the best quality care.
Awareness
If your employees are 50 years old and above, of communicating and engaging with (Go to https://www.utas.edu.au/wicking/
they may be able to tap on the National persons with dementia using the understanding-dementia)
Silver Academy (NSA) subsidy for the person-centred approach.
following workshops by Dementia Singapore: (Go to SSI Eldercare courses webpage at
• Dementia Awareness Workshop https://www.ssi.gov.sg/training/eldercare)
• Enabling EDIE™ Friendliness
• Facilitate Meaningful Interaction with
Persons with Dementia
More training
Dementia Singapore offers customised training and consultation that can
Check out the NSA website for more be tailored to your organisational needs. For more information, go to
information (https://www.nsa.org.sg) https://dementia.org.sg/academy or send an email to academy@dementia.org.sg
InclusivenessJOURNEY FROM AWARENESS TO INCLUSIVENESS 38 39 BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR A DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE SINGAPORE
Interacting with
TRAINING RESOURCES: VIDEOS persons with
dementia in retail
There are videos with tips and anecdotes by and for carers on how to support
people with dementia, and how businesses from different sectors can support https://youtu.be/ Contents
customers and employees impacted by dementia. PU0ePz1XYNY
Building Managing persons Foreword
dementia-inclusive with dementia for
communities private-hire vehicle
operators
https://youtu.be/
wIOYCoXsc78 https://youtu.be/
vebPSS2SxTs
Rationale
Contact us
DEMENTIA
SINGAPORE
info@ Tips and personal Managing persons
dementia
.org.sg stories by and for with dementia for Framework
carers on how best train operators
to support persons
with dementia https://youtu.be/fz1iUIks-fU
https://www.forgetusnot.sg/
videos.html
Awareness
Interacting with Managing persons
persons with with dementia for
dementia in F&B bus operators Friendliness
https://youtu.be/ https://youtu.be/TLq7Of5s_
vHUIdaoYdfg PM
InclusivenessJOURNEY FROM AWARENESS TO INCLUSIVENESS 40 41 BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR A DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE SINGAPORE
PROVIDE CUSTOMISED PRODUCTS AND SERVICES EXAMPLES OF CUSTOMISED SERVICES AND PRODUCTS
Businesses in different sectors have different considerations when
engaging customers impacted by dementia. The list on the facing Arts, culture and heritage Contents
page includes some examples of dedicated services and customised Screening of classic films where singing and chatting while the
products adopted by local and overseas businesses. The possibilities movie is playing are not frowned upon
are limitless. What it takes is a little imagination and the passion to (Dementia-friendly cinemas across the UK)
serve your customers who are impacted by dementia.
Financial Services
Banking for customers living with dementia to retain access Foreword
to a bank account that has limited features and additional
control by a legal designee (HSBC Hong Kong)
Food and Beverage
Menu with bright photos and catchy titles
(Amazing Joe restaurant in Columbus Indiana US)
Rationale
Contact us
Healthcare
Ward and counter staff trained to interact with patients with
DEMENTIA
SINGAPORE
dementia and provide continuity of care
info@ (Sector guide by ACT on Alzheimer’s)
dementia
.org.sg Framework
Retail
Checkout managed by staff trained to ensure that the
shopping experience is made easier for customers with
dementia (Tesco, Chester UK)
Sports, leisure and parks Awareness
Therapeutic garden featuring plants specially selected for
their ability to stimulate the senses and act as a signpost for
those with dementia if they get confused
(Hort Park by National Parks Board Singapore)
Transport Friendliness
Transport Assistance Cards – Cards that record details of the
needs of the person with dementia so that the user can show the
card privately to the driver or other travel staff to seek assistance
(Individual transport operators and local authorities in the UK)
InclusivenessJOURNEY FROM AWARENESS TO INCLUSIVENESS 42 43 BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR A DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE SINGAPORE
SINGAPORE HONG KONG
Inclusive transport network HSBC accounts for persons with dementia
The 2040 Land Transport commuters with dementia and Persons with dementia may dementia to manage their everyday Contents
Masterplan unveiled in May 2019 disabilities. struggle with financial management finances independently and helps
aimed to create a more inclusive SMRT also studied selected bus as it requires high-level cognitive them retain some semblance of
transport network for Singapore, interchanges and MRT stations to functions. Some of them are even control over their life and feel
motivating SMRT to step up its ensure that the environment was suspicious of banks. included.
efforts in enabling its staff to help conducive for commuters with In response to this, HSBC It also guards against financial
commuters with dementia and dementia or disabilities, developing Hong Kong rolled out the HSBC mismanagement by customers with Foreword
disabilities. Yishun Integrated Transport Basic Banking Account with impaired cognitive capacity and
By 2020, SMRT Buses Hub and Woodlands Temp Bus Independence (BBAI) in May 2019 who struggle with understanding
employees had received training Interchange into Go-To-Points to give customers with dementia bank documents, remembering
from ADA, Agency for Integrated (recognised by AIC as a place access to a bank account that has PIN, and communicating with bank
Care (AIC), Guide Dogs Singapore where members of the public can limited features and additional staff.
and Handicaps Welfare Association take persons with dementia to for control by legal designees. HSBC HK also trained more
Rationale
on how to approach and help assistance from trained staff). The legal designees can top up than 200 Dementia Friends
Contact us
the accounts so that the account Ambassadors. These ambassadors
holders can still enjoy basic have a better understanding of
DEMENTIA
SINGAPORE
banking features such as cash the difficulties faced by persons
info@ withdrawal and paying with an with dementia when using banking
dementia
.org.sg ATM card. services, and can offer useful
Framework
This empowers customers with advice.
TAIWAN
Dementia-friendly stores MALAYSIA
There have been efforts to promote friendly stores. These stores
dementia-friendliness in stores in subsequently collect payment from Mall raises awareness on dementia Awareness
Taiwan. the customers’ carers. Atria Shopping Gallery in Petaling ageing-related matters for carers
Staff at these stores understand Persons with dementia may Jaya became the first dementia- of persons living with dementia,
the impact of dementia on the daily also make repeated purchases of friendly community mall in senior citizens, and the general
functioning of their customers and the same item. Dementia-friendly Malaysia when it launched the public.
make provisions to accommodate stores allow the customers’ Atria Community Corner in The mall also held weekly
them with a shopping experience carers to return or exchange the September 2017, in collaboration exercises, games and activities, Friendliness
as comfortable and dignified as purchased item for other items. with the Alzheimer’s Disease as well as sing-along sessions
possible. These efforts to support persons Foundation Malaysia (ADFM). for persons with dementia, their
For instance, persons with with dementia and their carers The community corner helped families and carers, and senior
dementia who struggle with making allow persons with dementia to raise awareness of dementia citizens. Such activities served to
sense of prices do not have to make continue leading active lives and through educational talks on the provide information and support to
payment for purchases at dementia- interacting with their environments. condition as well as health- and the communities in the area.
InclusivenessJOURNEY FROM AWARENESS TO INCLUSIVENESS 44 45 BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR A DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE SINGAPORE
Tips
Help can come in two ways:
1. Proactively reaching out to those who may need
help by approaching them, and Contents
2. Having a prominent helpdesk to encourage persons
with dementia or carers to approach for help.
CREATE A DEMENTIA-ENABLING ENVIRONMENT Foreword
When the physical environment of your store is dementia-enabling, it gives
persons with dementia and their carers the confidence to visit your business. Even
minor adjustments, such as in lighting and signage, can go a long way in creating a
calming and supportive environment for customers with dementia. Here are some
key design principles4 to consider. Their relevance to some common areas in our
Rationale
physical environment will be elaborated in the following pages.
1 6
Contact us
Design safety measures to be as Create an environment – indoor
DEMENTIA
SINGAPORE
discreet as possible and outdoor – that is easy for
engagement and safe to navigate
2
info@
dementia
Design the scale of the
7
.org.sg Framework
environment to maximise comfort Design components of the
and security environment to be as familiar as
possible
3 Make it easy for people to see
where they are going
8 Offer people opportunities
to choose to be alone or with
4
Awareness
Minimise unhelpful stimuli different numbers of people
5 Optimise helpful stimuli 9 Provide access and connection to
and from local communities
10 Design to support a way of
life that is easy to understand,
manageable and meaningful
Friendliness
4
Fleming R., Zeisel J., & Bennett K. (2020). Design dignity dementia: Dementia-related
design and the built environment. Vol. I and II. London: Alzheimer’s Disease International:
https://www.alzint.org/resource/world-alzheimer-report-2020 InclusivenessJOURNEY FROM AWARENESS TO INCLUSIVENESS 46 47 BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR A DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE SINGAPORE
ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT Here are some common areas to focus on, where possible,
when creating a dementia-enabling physical environment
Assess your environment and identify areas to improve to make it dementia-
enabling. This audit should cover the entire journey – from approaching your
store premises to right through it, all the way to the exit. Lighting Contents
Persons with dementia need to see their surroundings to help them make
Step 1
sense of it and to make the most of their remaining abilities. Better lighting
Put yourself in the shoes of a person with dementia or a carer taking a person
helps avoid confusion and reduces the risk of falls.
with dementia to your store premises. (Tip: Remember the symptoms a person
with dementia may be experiencing, such as problems with visual perception,
What you can do:
forgetfulness and challenges in physical mobility.) Foreword
1. Avoid using lights that cause glare, dark shadows or are highly reflective
Step 2 2. Ensure area is well lit and bright by having more light fittings rather than
Define the purpose of the visit (e.g. medical appointment at a hospital, shopping fewer brighter ones
for groceries in a supermarket or borrowing books from a library). 3. Ensure consistent lighting throughout your store and use natural
daylight where possible
Step 3 Be inclusive Rationale
Identify the most likely route your customer with Corresponding key design principles:
As you build your
dementia would take.
Contact us business to be dementia- • Minimise unhelpful stimuli
DEMENTIA friendly, invite persons • Optimise helpful stimuli
Step 4
SINGAPORE
with dementia and their
info@ Start the journey about 20 metres away from the
dementia carers to be part of the
.org.sg entrance of your store. This allows you to assess the
process. This ensures Framework
visibility of your store and ease of getting to it, from
that whatever you hope
outside.
to do will take their
experiences into account.
Step 5
Bear in mind the key design principles when marking
common areas of the environment, in and outside your store, to be improved.
Awareness
Tips
• Consider doing the environmental check at different times of the day,
especially if your business is conducted outdoors and depends on natural
light.
• Check out the video “Shopping in their Shoes – becoming a dementia- Friendliness
friendly retailer” by East England Co-op (https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=nAIVM3Jc0sE)
Additional resource
• Six Principles of Dementia-Friendly Neighbourhood by Singapore University
of Technology and Design, Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities
InclusivenessJOURNEY FROM AWARENESS TO INCLUSIVENESS 48 49 BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR A DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE SINGAPORE
Walkways & flooring
Dementia changes how the brain processes visual information. This impact
is compounded by poor eyesight which often occurs in ageing. Persons with Contents
dementia require an environment that is clear and safe.
Walkways
1. Provide a well-defined pathway that’s free of obstacles and
has clear and simple signage or landmarks
Tip: Landmarks such as a prominent Foreword
landscape or a helpdesk can help in
wayfinding
2. Ensure that the path is wide enough
to let two wheelchairs pass side by
side
Rationale
Contact us
Flooring
DEMENTIA
Ensure that floors are non-slip,
SINGAPORE non-reflective and free of patterns
info@
dementia
.org.sg Framework
Uneven surface levels
Mark clearly areas with uneven
floor levels, such as stairs, kerbs,
and small steps. Install non-
reflective and colour-contrasting
handrails at those points
Awareness
Tip: Where feasible, replace steps with
ramps so persons in wheelchair or with walking
aid can move with ease
Corresponding key design principles:
• Design safety measures to be as discreet Friendliness
as possible
• Make it easy for people to see where they are going
• Create an environment – indoor and outdoor
– that is easy for engagement and safe to navigate
InclusivenessJOURNEY FROM AWARENESS TO INCLUSIVENESS 50 51 BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR A DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE SINGAPORE
Noise levels & other external stimulations
As dementia progresses, the brain may struggle with processing different sounds,
Contents
smells and sights. Support to minimise confusion and uncertainty can help persons
with dementia live well and independently.
What you can do:
1. Make an environment comfortable by being mindful of its size, sounds, sights
and smells
Tip: Large stores can consider creating small sections to limit the number Foreword
of people to help persons with dementia feel more at ease, and
where possible, engage persons with dementia in a quiet and
private meeting area instead of an open meeting space
2. Reduce visual and aural clutter, such as unnecessary noise,
signs, posters, advertising and merchandise
Tip: Remove unnecessary standee or point-of-sale display Rationale
and consider replacing loud music with soothing and relaxing
Contact us
tunes
DEMENTIA
SINGAPORE
3. Provide adequate visual cues at eye level to help them know
info@ where they are and what they can do in your store
dementia
.org.sg
Tip: Help them recognise your business or store by
Framework
highlighting the entry or using distinctive finishes.
Remember that people with dementia feel most
comfortable in familiar surroundings
Corresponding key design principles:
• Design the scale of the environment to maximise comfort Awareness
and security
• Minimise unhelpful stimuli
• Optimise helpful stimuli
• Design components of the environment to be as familiar as possible
Friendliness
InclusivenessJOURNEY FROM AWARENESS TO INCLUSIVENESS 52 53 BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR A DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE SINGAPORE
Seating & resting areas
Contents
Persons with dementia need to be able to choose to be on their
own or with others.
What you can do: Foreword
1. Ensure there are enough seats, especially in waiting areas
2. Ensure the seats are sturdy, made of common materials,
with appropriate height (e.g. not too low), complete with
back and arm rests
3. Colours of the seats should contrast with the floor and walls
Rationale
so that they are prominent
Contact us 4. Seats should be obvious and do not look like part of decor
DEMENTIA 5. Public spaces are designed with opportunities for persons
SINGAPORE with dementia to participate in or observe activities of
info@
dementia interest
.org.sg
6. Set aside a space or room so that there is a choice for the Framework
person with dementia to withdraw from the larger areas and
crowd to be on their own, or in a smaller place with fewer
people
Corresponding key design principles:
Awareness
• Create options for people to be alone or with different
numbers of people
• Design components of the environment to be as familiar as
possible
• Optimise helpful stimuli
Friendliness
InclusivenessJOURNEY FROM AWARENESS TO INCLUSIVENESS 54 55 BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR A DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE SINGAPORE
Toilets
Having enough well-designed toilets can help persons with dementia
maintain their independence and dignity in personal care. Contents
What you can do: 8. Clearly label taps and soap dispensers
1. Have clear entrance and exit signs, use 9. Use non-reflective surfaces
common symbols and contrasting colours 10. Ensure there is adequate lighting in the
to differentiate between toilets for males toilets Foreword
and females
11. Ensure contrast between fixtures and
2. Access to toilets should be prominent fittings, doors and surroundings
from as many viewpoints as
possible 12. Have a user-activated alarm system in
cubicles for emergency assistance. Ensure
3. Provide unisex disability toilets. that the alarm system is clearly visible,
Avoid using the handicap sign to easy to use and accessible to the user Rationale
empower even persons with hidden
Contact us disabilities to use them Corresponding key design principles:
DEMENTIA
4. Disability toilets should be big • Design components of the environment to
SINGAPORE enough to accommodate a be as familiar as possible
info@
dementia wheelchair
.org.sg • Optimise helpful stimuli
5. Install grab rails in colours that Framework
contrast with the walls and floor
6. Toilet seat should be in a colour that
contrasts with the toilet bowl and
floor
7. Use common or automatic flush Awareness
systems
Friendliness
InclusivenessJOURNEY FROM AWARENESS TO INCLUSIVENESS 56 57 BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR A DEMENTIA-INCLUSIVE SINGAPORE
Signage
Good, enabling signage can benefit the well-being of persons
with dementia, guiding them to their destination or providing Contents
them with cues to complete a task.
What you can do:
1. Ensure entrance, exit and helpdesk signs are clean, clear,
well-lit and easily identified, both near and from a distance
2. Ensure the glass doors are clearly marked Foreword
3. Provide clear and simple signage with appropriate
symbols and large font against contrasting background
(e.g. black text against a yellow background)
4. Use simple wording and sentence case instead of
everything in uppercase
5. Fix signs at eye level and key decision points – this is Rationale
especially helpful for someone who is there for the first time
Contact us
Tip: Older people tend to lower their gaze, so it is
DEMENTIA recommended that your signage be placed slightly lower
SINGAPORE
info@ than normal, at about 1.2-1.4 metres from the floor
dementia
.org.sg 6. Fix signs on doors – instead of adjacent walls – to
Framework
indicate where they lead to
7. Install recognisable images or cues to assist persons with
dementia to complete any task (e.g. how to operate the
tap and soap dispenser in the toilet)
8. Display posters on dementia to remind others to be kind
and offer help when needed Awareness
Corresponding key design principles:
• Make it easy for people to see where they are going
• Optimise helpful stimuli
• Create an environment – indoor and outdoor – that is Friendliness
easy for engagement and safe to navigate
• Design components of the environment to be as familiar
as possible
InclusivenessYou can also read
