Gerontology & Geriatric Research

AGING WITH ALZHEIMERS: DEMENTIA VILLAGE SINGAPORE

2^nd International Conference on Aging & Gerontology

June 26-27, 2017 San Diego, CA, USA

M Y Yap and X Y Yap

Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore Changi General Hospital, Singapore

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Gerontol Geriatr Res

Abstract:

Rapid development and urbanization in the past century has led to a wave of �??silver tsunami�?� sweeping across the developed world, with the number of dementia patients expected to double to 75.6 million by 2030. In place of traditional nursing homes, the Netherlands has pioneered the first dementia village in the world, the De Hogeweyk, a 1.5-hectre self contained model village in Amsterdam. We imagine how a similar�??styled village can be built in Singapore and its feasibility. The principle of the dementia village is to create a safe environment for dementia residents to live in. We want to preserve their freedom, accord them dignity and respect maintain a good quality of life. Land scarce Singapore would be the perfect setting for a block of condominium-style apartments, with each flat personalized according to the senior�??s liking, situated within a gated premise with security cameras for patient�??s safety. Residents will be given the independence to walk around. The village will be helmed by a myriad of healthcare staff who will �??live�?� in the same community. They will patrol the village in street clothes and look after the villagers in a discreet manner. The village will be self-equipped with its own facilities such as grocery store, gym, hair salon, restaurant and a GP clinic. There will also be a community town hall, where villagers can mingle and have classes together.Villagers will manage their own households with the help of staff if they require. Families are strongly encouraged to visit. Residents can participate in the community, be it as a gardener, leader in their religious community or even an assistant cook. A dementia village is a novel concept, which would result in a more active, comprehensive and human way for dementia patients to live, without being handicapped by their condition, hence successful aging with Alzhiemers.