Therapy Through Work for Persons with Young Onset and Early Stage Dementia
Applied/Translational Research
Workforce Transformation
AIC Community Care Excellence Awards
Agency for Integrated Care - Intermediate and Long Term Care
31 December 2020
Provide therapeutic employment for persons with young-onset and early-stage dementia while offering respite for caregivers. Holistic and early engagement improves outcomes for dementia patients and their caregivers.
Year Submitted: 2020
Published Date: 31 December 2020
Tags: Workforce Transformation, Applied/Translational Research, Job Redesign, Informal Workforce Transformation, Volunteer, Caregiver, Quantitative Research
About this Content
Aims
Provide therapeutic employment for persons with young-onset and early-stage dementia while offering respite for caregivers and creating dementia-respectful work communities.
Background
Young-onset dementia patients face job loss and reduced social engagement after diagnosis. This disengagement accelerates disease progression, impacts household stress levels, and affects caregivers’ capacity to cope.
Methods
Supported group employment guided by dementia-trained staff, group work routines, assessments every 6 months, and regular feedback between caregivers and facilitators.
Results
Self-reported health scores improved from 75 to 87.5; Quality of life scores improved from 140 to 169; Functional decline in activities of daily living continued for most participants.
Conclusion
Holistic and early engagement improves outcomes for dementia patients and their caregivers. Ongoing funding and partnerships are essential for expansion.
Lessons Learnt
Engagement must address all dimensions of dementia care (developmental, emotional, social). Early intervention is crucial to maximize program benefits. Activities must adapt to age and ability for continued participation.
Additional Information
Winner of the AIC Community Care Excellence Awards (CCEA) 2020.
Keywords
Care Redesign, Dementia, Community Care, Apex Harmony, Young Onset Dementia, Early-Stage Dementia, Work Therapy Programme, Inclusive Workforce
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | Agency for Integrated Care - Intermediate and Long Term Care |
Organization(s) Involved | Apex Harmony Lodge |
Platform(s) | AIC Community Care Excellence Awards |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Allied Health |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Neurology, Healthcare Administrators |
Project Lead(s) | Dian Karnina |
Project Member(s) | Sion Teng |
Connect with this contributor!
Ng Wei Xuan - weixuan.ng@apexharmony.org.sg