Banks lend a hand to customers with dementia

Staff at banks are being trained to spot and talk to seniors with dementia as part of a nationwide move to help those with the disease

Customers who are flagged as possibly suffering from dementia might permit branch staff to take a recommended recourse, such as contacting their next of kin.
Customers who are flagged as possibly suffering from dementia might permit branch staff to take a recommended recourse, such as contacting their next of kin. PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

A customer in his 60s was in the queue at the DBS South Bridge branch, but could not recall why he was there when it was his turn to be served.

Branch service manager Kina Neo said she took him to a private room, where she spent time talking to him. Finally Ms Neo sought his permission to contact a family member, who came to the branch to pick him up.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on January 06, 2020, with the headline Banks lend a hand to customers with dementia. Subscribe