Age Of Possibility

Beating the loneliness of dementia

Seniors with dementia have to grapple with the frightening loss of independence, but they feel less isolated with activities at senior care centres

Madam How Lin Chi playing a game with guidance from her live-in caregiver Lai Lai Win (far left) and Ms Massuriyantee Othman (left), a healthcare assistant at Ghim Moh Senior Care Centre.
Madam How Lin Chi playing a game with guidance from her live-in caregiver Lai Lai Win (left) and Ms Massuriyantee Othman (right), a healthcare assistant at Ghim Moh Senior Care Centre. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN
Madam Yong Lee Yoong taking part in a game with her daughter Sally Huang (left) and healthcare assistant Aye Thant Zin at Telok Blangah Senior Care Centre.
Madam Yong Lee Yoong taking part in a game with her daughter Sally Huang (left) and healthcare assistant Aye Thant Zin at Telok Blangah Senior Care Centre. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
Having overcome her loneliness, Ms Jessie Teo (standing) is now befriending seniors in her neighbourhood through makan sessions, as well as helping those with dementia.
Having overcome her loneliness, Ms Jessie Teo (standing) is now befriending seniors in her neighbourhood through makan sessions, as well as helping those with dementia. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY
Venessa Lee
Senior Correspondent
Updated
Jul 14, 2019, 05:38 AM
Published
Jul 14, 2019, 05:00 AM
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Most people would find it hard to admit to feeling lonely.

For dementia sufferers who may be unable to hold a conversation, expressing feelings of isolation could be impossible.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on July 14, 2019, with the headline Beating the loneliness of dementia. Subscribe

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