REMEMBER FOR ME
Amidst the dynamic landscape of healthcare and social services, Dementia Singapore has emerged as a beacon of compassion and understanding. Committed to addressing the unique challenges posed by dementia, this prominent social service agency plays a pivotal role in transforming perceptions, fostering inclusivity, and enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.
In a world where stigmas often overshadow the experiences of those affected by dementia, Dementia Singapore stands as a catalyst for change. With a steadfast commitment to reducing stigma, raising awareness, and providing essential support, the organization spearheads initiatives that resonate at the core of Singaporean society.
In a collaborative stride toward inclusivity, SMU has partnered with Dementia Singapore to delve into the shifting landscape of attitudes and awareness surrounding dementia. This pioneering study, aptly named Remember.For.Me, unveils both progress and persistent challenges in the perceptions of persons with dementia, their caregivers, and the wider public.
The Remember.For.Me project, spanning from January to March 2023, cast its net wide by interviewing more than 3,225 participants, including persons with dementia, caregivers, and the general public. Spearheaded by SMU Principal Lecturer of Statistics, Rosie Ching, and her dedicated team of 72 undergraduates, this project sought to unravel the intricate web of perceptions, challenges, and hopes surrounding dementia in Singapore.
One of the distinctive features of this study was its multifaceted approach. It not only evaluated the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the lives of individuals with dementia but also delved into Singapore's degree of dementia-friendliness. The findings revealed that nearly 80% of respondents perceived the pandemic's impact negatively, while over 75% rated Singapore's dementia-friendliness as suboptimal.
Dismantling the Stigma: Progress and Challenges
One of the pivotal revelations of the Remember.For.Me project is the shift in perceptions towards individuals with dementia. The percentage of individuals facing rejection, loneliness, and shame has significantly decreased from 72% to 31% since 2019. However, embarrassment and perceived incompetence have risen, indicating that misconceptions and stigma persist.
Interestingly, those without a direct connection to dementia exhibited higher average stigma levels than individuals with dementia themselves. This emphasizes the pivotal role of education and awareness in shaping societal attitudes.
Empowering Caregivers and Enhancing Quality of Life
Remember.For.Me also sheds light on the experiences of caregivers, who play an integral role in the lives of individuals with dementia. The study revealed an increasing disconnect felt by caregivers from those without caregiving responsibilities. Addressing this gap requires tailored support and targeted efforts to foster empathy and understanding.
Encouragingly, over 80% of Singaporeans believe that individuals with dementia can still lead fulfilling lives, while 83% acknowledge the potential for improvement in their quality of life. These positive sentiments, however, come hand in hand with challenges—47% of respondents expressed frustration due to their lack of knowledge on how to support people with dementia.
Looking Ahead: Crafting a Compassionate Society
As Singapore's population continues to age, the Remember.For.Me project serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of redefining perceptions around dementia. With its insightful findings, the project underscores the need for continuous education, awareness, and advocacy to create a more compassionate and inclusive society.
The partnership between Dementia Singapore, SMU, and AIC continues to evolve, aligning strategies to tackle emerging needs.
As we navigate the complex terrain of dementia perceptions, the Remember.For.Me project stands as a testament to the power of research, collaboration, and empathy. It calls upon us to unite in fostering a society where individuals with dementia are not only understood but also cherished for their resilience, stories, and contributions. Detailed survey results and insights from the Remember.For.Me project can be explored further at the following links:
https://news.smu.edu.sg/news/2023/05/13/although-awareness-has-improved-survey-…
https://news.smu.edu.sg/news/2023/05/12/60-those-dementia-feel-they-are-treated…
“Four years after its inception, Remember.For.Me. has once again focused on a problem that many, including my students, deeply relate to; and I am very grateful for having them by my side through all the toil, sweat, and tears, through the months of surveying and statistical analysis. A significant number have connections to dementia in their own families. My own great-grandmother died of dementia in 1993, when I was a student, and her struggle in the years before her death is something I’ll never forget. We feel privileged to have worked with Dementia Singapore in this original study, forging ahead with thousands of respondents across Singapore, in person, online, and via telephone. With my students’ generation as the caregivers of tomorrow, we hope the statistics uncovered will shed significant light on changes in perceptions of dementia in Singapore.” – Ms Rosie Ching, COR-STAT1202 faculty instructor, SMU School of Economics
“In the past one semester, I have learnt far more than I expected, with the project about dementia, which my grandfather has been living with for five years. I really appreciate that I could work with Ms. Ching to improve the overall understanding and perspective of dementia in Singapore, which is truly meaningful to me.” - Yuan Shuai, SMU School of Accountancy
“Remember.For.Me was a novel experience for me, a cause I feel strongly about since my own great-grandparents had it and now my grandparents have dementia.” - Rachel Rei Mack, SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business
“Ms. Ching’s Remember.For.Me project enabled me to learn statistics through the engaging pedagogy, while greatly increasing my empathy for people living with dementia and the community supporting them.” - See Chow Ye, SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business
“I never realised the power of statistics until I took this class with Ms Ching. The real-life use of statistics while working for Dementia Singapore to uncover truth among people with dementia was truly meaningful and eye-opening. Ms Ching’s passion for statistics is contagious and truly enjoyable.” - Goh Zhi Xuan, SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business
“STAT-X was a fulfilling experience seeing the work that we put in used to improve the lives of others. Ms Ching has put in lots of effort into a difficult topic like dementia, and it was exciting.” - Joel Low Ming Herng, SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business
“I have personal connections with dementia, which made Remember.For.Me all the more meaningful to me. It was incredibly fulfilling to study statistics while making a difference on something close to all of us.” - Fitrah Binte Mohamed Amin, SMU School of Social Sciences