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Caring for a loved one with dementia can become increasingly challenging as memory loss progresses. Family members often worry about safety, wandering, confusion, changes in behaviour, and whether their loved one is receiving enough social interaction and stimulation.
Families choosing an elderly home in Singapore often look for a provider that offers personalised dementia care, meaningful activities, and a safe, supportive environment. At United Medicare Centre, we strive to provide this through our person-centred approach.
A Person-Centred Approach to Dementia Care
Every person experiences dementia differently. Some residents may become forgetful, while others may experience confusion, anxiety, wandering, or changes in behaviour.
Rather than focusing only on the diagnosis, we take time to understand the individual behind the condition. We learn about each resident’s life story, previous occupation, hobbies, daily routines, likes and dislikes, and family background. This helps us create a care plan that is personalised and meaningful.
Our care philosophy is guided by ARISE:
- Active Living: Encouraging residents to stay active and engaged
- Respect : Respecting each person’s beliefs, values, and individuality
- Individual: Recognising that every resident has different needs and preferences
- Spirited: Helping residents continue to enjoy life and meaningful experiences
- Empowerment: Supporting residents to do as much as they can independently
1. A Dedicated Dementia Care Team
More than half of our residents are living with dementia. Over the years, we have developed specialised dementia care programmes and work closely with Dementia Singapore to strengthen our dementia care capabilities.
Residents with dementia are regularly reviewed by our multidisciplinary care team, which may include nurses, therapists, programme coordinators, and doctors. Together, they monitor each resident’s condition and adjust care plans when needed.
2. Individualised Care Plans
No two people experience dementia in the same way. Some may enjoy being active and social, while others may prefer quieter activities or need more reassurance throughout the day.
That’s why every resident at UMC receives an Individualised Care Plan based on who they are, not just their medical condition. We take time to understand their daily routines, interests, hobbies, past occupation, and what brings them comfort and joy.
As the resident’s condition changes over time, the care plan is reviewed regularly to ensure it continues to meet their needs.
3. Keeping the Mind Active
Memory loss is part of dementia, but keeping the brain active can help residents stay engaged and connected.
If your father used to enjoy listening to old Mandarin songs, he may join music sessions where familiar songs encourage him to sing along or share memories. If your mother enjoys puzzles or looking through old photographs, these activities can spark conversations and help her feel more connected to those around her.
The goal is not to test their memory, but to help them enjoy familiar moments and meaningful interactions.
4. Staying Physically Active
As dementia progresses, many people become less active, which can affect their strength and confidence. Residents are encouraged to join simple activities such as walking, gentle exercises, tai chi, wheelchair dance, or balance exercises that suit their abilities.
If your loved one enjoys morning walks, we may encourage short supervised walks around the garden. Staying active helps maintain mobility, reduces the risk of falls, and supports independence in daily activities.
5. Supporting Behaviour with Understanding
People living with dementia may become anxious, restless, or upset because they are confused or unable to express how they feel. Instead of simply stopping the behaviour, we try to understand what the resident may be experiencing.
If your mother becomes agitated every afternoon, our care team may notice that she is looking for her family after years of picking up her children from school. Rather than correcting her, we gently comfort and redirect her through conversation, music, gardening, or another activity she enjoys. Often, these simple approaches help her feel calmer and more secure.
6. Meaningful Activities That Feel Familiar
Many residents continue to enjoy doing things they loved before dementia.
If your father enjoyed gardening, he may help care for plants. If your mother loved cooking, she may participate in simple food preparation activities. Someone who enjoys painting, music, mahjong, or singing can continue doing these activities in a safe and supportive environment.
These activities provide more than entertainment—they help residents maintain a sense of purpose, achievement, and familiarity.
7. Working Together with Families
Family members know their loved one best, so their input is an important part of the care plan. We encourage families to share details such as favourite foods, hobbies, daily routines, past occupations, important life events, and even small preferences.
For example, knowing that a resident was a school teacher, tailor, gardener, or homemaker allows us to plan activities that are familiar and meaningful. These personal touches often make residents feel more comfortable and help them settle into their new environment.
8. Reviewing Care as Needs Change
Dementia is a progressive condition, so care needs will change over time.
Our care team regularly reviews each resident’s progress and adjusts the care plan when needed. Activities, support, and goals are adapted based on the resident’s current abilities so they can continue to receive care that is appropriate, meaningful, and respectful.
At UMC, our goal is not simply to care for residents with dementia. We want every resident to continue enjoying the things they love, remain as independent as possible, and live each day with comfort, dignity, and purpose.
9. Managing Behavioural Changes with Compassion
Some people living with dementia may experience agitation, restlessness, anxiety, wandering, or difficulty expressing their needs.
Our team focuses on understanding the possible causes behind these behaviours rather than simply reacting to them. By learning the resident’s preferences, routines, and triggers, we can often reduce distress and create a calmer environment.
We also use non-drug approaches whenever appropriate, including meaningful activities, social engagement, sensory stimulation, and therapeutic programmes.
Meaningful Activities Every Day
Many families worry that once their loved one moves into a nursing home in Singapore, they will spend most of the day sitting alone with little to do.
At UMC, meaningful engagement is an important part of dementia care. Our activities are not simply organised to fill time—they are carefully planned to help residents stay mentally active, physically mobile, socially connected, and emotionally well.
Activities are selected based on each resident’s interests, abilities, and stage of dementia, so everyone can participate at a level that is comfortable for them.
1. Keeping the Mind Engaged
Residents take part in activities that encourage conversation, thinking, and memory in a relaxed and enjoyable way.
These may include:
- Memory and reminiscence sessions using old photographs, familiar objects, or songs
- Picture discussions and current affairs conversations
- Cognitive games such as puzzles, matching activities, and simple quizzes
- Mahjong, card games, and board games
For example, a resident who used to enjoy reading the newspapers may enjoy discussing current events with other residents. Someone who enjoys mahjong can continue playing with friends, helping to keep the mind active while encouraging social interaction.
2. Bringing Back Familiar Memories
Even when recent memories fade, many people with dementia can still recall events from many years ago.
Activities such as music therapy, singing familiar songs, or looking through photographs often bring back positive memories and encourage residents to share stories from their younger days.
For example, hearing an old favourite song may encourage a resident to sing along, smile, or start talking about special moments from the past. These familiar experiences can help reduce anxiety and create moments of joy.
3. Encouraging Movement Every Day
Staying physically active helps residents maintain their strength, balance, and confidence.
Depending on their abilities, residents may join:
- Tai Chi
- Gentle stretching exercises
- Balance and mobility exercises
- Physiotherapy-led rehabilitation
For residents who are less mobile, simple seated exercises help improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and keep joints flexible. Remaining active also lowers the risk of falls and supports greater independence in everyday activities.
4. Creative Activities That Build Confidence
Art, craft, gardening, and cooking allow residents to express themselves without relying on words.
Residents may paint, make festive decorations, water plants, arrange flowers, or prepare simple snacks together.
For example, someone who enjoyed gardening at home may continue caring for plants in our garden. A resident who loved cooking can participate in simple food preparation activities. Continuing familiar hobbies helps residents maintain a sense of purpose and achievement.
5. Staying Connected with Others
Dementia can sometimes make people withdraw from social situations. Group activities encourage residents to interact with others in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Residents may enjoy:
- Karaoke and music sessions
- Movie afternoons
- Birthday and festive celebrations
- Games and group activities
- Volunteer and intergenerational programmes with schools and community groups
These shared experiences help residents build friendships, reduce feelings of loneliness, and create enjoyable moments throughout the week.
6. Enjoying the Outdoors and the Community
When suitable, residents are encouraged to spend time outdoors or participate in supervised community outings.
This may include:
- Walks in the garden
- Visits to nearby parks
- Coffee outings
- Lunch at a hawker centre
- Community events
Simple outings provide a change of scenery and help residents stay connected with the community they have always been part of.
7. Calming the Mind Through Sensory Activities
Some residents with dementia become anxious or restless, especially in the later stages of the condition.
Our care team may introduce sensory-based activities such as gentle hand massage, aromatherapy, calming music, nature sounds, or Namaste sessions.
These activities create a peaceful environment that helps residents relax, feel comforted, and reduce anxiety without relying solely on medication.
8. Every Day Has a Purpose
There is no “one-size-fits-all” activity programme. Some residents enjoy joining group sessions, while others prefer quieter one-to-one activities or simply spending time in the garden.
Our goal is to help every resident continue doing the things they enjoy, discover new interests, and experience moments of happiness each day. By keeping residents mentally, physically, and socially engaged, we help them maintain their abilities, build confidence, and enjoy a better quality of life while living with dementia.
A Dementia-Friendly Environment
The environment can have a significant impact on a person living with dementia.
Our homes are designed to support safety, comfort, and independence through features such as:
- Clear signage and wayfinding cues
- Colour contrasts to improve visibility
- Non-slip flooring
- Well-lit common areas
- Sensory and reminiscence features
- Spaces for social interaction and activities
These features help reduce confusion and encourage residents to move around safely and confidently.
Supporting Families Throughout the Journey
Dementia affects not only the individual but also their family members. We believe families should remain involved in the care journey.
Our team works closely with family members to understand the resident’s history, preferences, and changing needs. Families are kept informed and involved in important care decisions whenever possible.
Helping Residents Live with Dignity
While dementia may affect memory and thinking, every person deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.
At UMC, our goal is not only to provide safe care at our elderly home in Singapore but also to help residents maintain a sense of identity, purpose, and connection. Through personalised care, meaningful engagement, and a supportive environment, we strive to help every resident live as fully and comfortably as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no single right time. Families often consider a nursing home when dementia progresses to the point where daily care, safety, medication management, or supervision becomes difficult to provide at home. A healthcare professional can help assess when residential care may be the most suitable option.
Yes. Many nursing homes encourage residents to continue enjoying familiar hobbies such as gardening, music, arts and crafts, reading, or simple cooking activities. These activities help residents stay engaged while supporting their emotional well-being and quality of life.
Most nursing homes in Singapore encourage regular family visits, as staying connected with loved ones can provide emotional support and reassurance. Visiting arrangements may vary depending on the home’s policies and public health guidelines.
Families can make the transition easier by visiting regularly, bringing familiar personal items, sharing information about the resident’s routines and preferences, and maintaining open communication with the care team. Consistent support can help residents feel more comfortable in their new environment.
Not always. In the early stages, many people with dementia can continue living at home with support from family members and community care services. Full-time residential care may become appropriate as care needs increase or when safety and daily living become more difficult to manage at home.
