The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many changes in lifestyle across the world, and Singapore is certainly not spared the effects.
In order to reduce the spread of further infection in Singapore, the government has introduced tightened circuit breaker measures.
On 5 May 2020, ADA introduced SPOC-19, or ‘Support for Persons living with dementia Over the COVID-19 period’. It is an initiative with the Agency for Integrated Care, with the support of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) to assist caregivers and persons living with dementia who may unknowingly violate precautionary measures during the COVID-19 period.
To help your loved one with dementia in case he/she gets approached by enforcement officers for unintentionally flouting the measures, you can now apply for the ADA Memo.
Here are three ways the ADA Memo can help you during this period.
Should Your Loved One With Dementia Go Wandering Without A Facemask
Does your loved one have an independent, fixed routine to walk around the vicinity of their homes, or visit coffeeshops and malls? You have done your best to educate them and remind them about the current situation; however, they might still forget. Hence, should they be approached by enforcement officers, the ADA Memo serves as official confirmation that your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, which the enforcement officer will factor into his/her decision.
Should Your Loved One With Dementia Not Comply With Safe Distancing Measures
Is your loved one with dementia being reprimanded for standing too close to someone in the park or supermarket? Or is he/she too used to the daily routine (example, buying food at the hawker centre) that he/she finds somewhere else to sit to have their meals?
Some persons with dementia require a caregiver to be physically close to them due to safety reasons (example, walking difficulties or dizziness) – hence, it may seem that they are flouting these measures.
As a caregiver, you can educate him/her to present the memo if he/she gets approached by members of the community. In the unfortunate event that enforcement officers are still activated, keep a calm mind and explain the situation to the officers, using the memo as a point of reference.
Your Loved One With Dementia Gets Lost And Disoriented Outside The Home
Always ensure that your loved one with dementia carries a form of identity with emergency contact details. It can be placed in the wallet or a lanyard that he/she wears. The ADA Memo can also be an additional form of identity that they bring out of their homes.
Apply For The ADA Memo
You can now apply for this memo by clicking here. As this is a complimentary service by ADA, your patience is appreciated.
For more information, write to [email protected] or call the Dementia Helpline at 6377 0700, Monday to Friday (9am to 6pm).
For ADA’s latest advisories on COVID-19, please visit dementia.org.sg/advisory/covid. You may also refer to our list of COVID-19 care tips and suggestions at dementia.org.sg/covid19.
