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    Caring for a Parent with Dementia in Singapore

    12 min readPublished on 22 December 2025
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    Receiving a dementia diagnosis for a loved one can feel overwhelming. In Singapore, over 80,000 people live with dementia, and this number is expected to exceed 150,000 by 2030. This guide provides practical strategies and connects you with Singapore's extensive dementia care network.

    Understanding Dementia

    Dementia is not a single disease but a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type, but vascular dementia and other forms also occur frequently.

    Early Signs to Watch

    Memory loss affecting daily life, difficulty with familiar tasks, confusion about time or place, problems with speaking or writing, poor judgment, withdrawal from social activities.

    • Alzheimer's disease: Most common (60-70% of cases)
    • Vascular dementia: Often after stroke
    • Lewy body dementia: Associated with movement issues
    • Frontotemporal dementia: Affects personality and behavior
    • Mixed dementia: Combination of types

    Communicating with Someone with Dementia

    As dementia progresses, communication becomes more challenging. Patience, creativity, and non-verbal cues become essential tools for connection.

    Communication Tip

    Instead of asking "What do you want for lunch?", offer simple choices: "Would you like rice or noodles?" This reduces confusion and maintains dignity.

    • Speak slowly and use simple, short sentences
    • Make eye contact and use the person's name
    • Ask one question at a time and wait for response
    • Avoid arguing or correcting—join their reality when safe
    • Use visual cues, gestures, and touch to support words
    • Maintain a calm, reassuring tone of voice

    Creating Supportive Daily Routines

    Consistent routines provide security and reduce anxiety for people with dementia. Structure helps compensate for memory difficulties while maintaining independence as long as possible.
    • Keep mealtimes, sleep, and activities at consistent times
    • Break tasks into simple, manageable steps
    • Use visual schedules or picture boards
    • Allow extra time—rushing increases agitation
    • Incorporate meaningful activities they enjoyed before
    • Balance activity with rest periods

    Making Your Home Dementia-Friendly

    Home modifications can prevent accidents and support independence. Simple changes make a significant difference in safety and quality of life.

    EASE Programme

    HDB's Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme subsidizes home modifications like grab bars and ramps. Apply through your Town Council.

    • Remove loose rugs and clear walkways of clutter
    • Install grab bars in bathroom and stairways
    • Use night lights throughout the home
    • Label cupboards and doors with pictures and words
    • Secure or remove sharp objects and medications
    • Consider door alarms if wandering is a concern
    • Keep a recent photo available in case of wandering

    Managing Challenging Behaviors

    Behavioral changes like agitation, aggression, or sundowning (evening confusion) are common in dementia. Understanding triggers and responding calmly is key.

    Managing Sundowning

    Keep afternoons calm and well-lit. Maintain routines. Consider a light therapy lamp in the morning. Limit caffeine and heavy meals late in the day.

    • Look for underlying causes: pain, hunger, fatigue, overstimulation
    • Stay calm—your emotions affect their response
    • Redirect attention rather than confronting
    • Keep the environment calm and predictable
    • Document patterns to identify triggers
    • Seek medical review if behaviors suddenly change

    Singapore Dementia Resources

    Singapore has developed comprehensive dementia support services. These resources can help you navigate the journey and find community.

    Key Contacts

    <strong>Dementia Singapore Helpline:</strong> 6377 0700<br/><strong>AIC Hotline:</strong> 1800-650-6060<br/><strong>DementiaHub.SG:</strong> dementiahub.sg

    • DementiaHub.SG: One-stop online resource portal
    • Dementia Singapore: Support groups, helpline, training
    • AIC Dementia Day Care Centres: Structured programmes
    • CREST-CSN: Community support for caregivers
    • Memory cafes and caregiver support groups
    • Dementia Friends Singapore workshops

    Taking Care of Yourself

    Dementia caregiving is a marathon, not a sprint. Many caregivers experience burnout, depression, and health problems. Your wellbeing directly affects your ability to provide care.

    Respite Options

    AIC subsidizes respite care at day centres and nursing homes, giving you time to rest or handle other responsibilities. Call 1800-650-6060 to learn more.

    • Accept help from family, friends, and professional services
    • Use respite care to take regular breaks
    • Join a caregiver support group for emotional support
    • Maintain your own social connections and hobbies
    • Watch for signs of caregiver burnout
    • Consider counseling if you're struggling emotionally

    Key Takeaways

    • 1Dementia affects over 80,000 Singaporeans—you are not alone
    • 2Communication strategies like simple choices and calm tone help maintain connection
    • 3Consistent routines and a safe home environment support independence
    • 4DementiaHub.SG and AIC provide comprehensive local resources
    • 5Caregiver self-care is essential—use respite services and support groups

    Track and share care with Elderwise

    Monitor health patterns, manage medications, and coordinate with family members caring for your loved one with dementia.

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