How other hospitals and a nursing home are helping senior patients thrive

To create a relaxed environment for elderly patients, Alexandra Hospital (AH) incorporated nostalgic fixtures and designs in its geriatric medicine ward in 2018.

- Amrita Kaur

Named Rasa Sayang, which means Feeling of Love, the ward houses patients aged 65 and above who have one or more geriatric health conditions, including dementia, delirium and functional decline.

A key feature of the ward is an older version of a bus shelter set against a wall decorated with a decal of Heap Seng Leong, a traditional coffee shop that has been operating since the 1970s.

This is complemented by a kopitiam-style seating area, where patients, staff and caregivers can interact and reminisce together.

A long corridor in the ward is also lined with wallpaper depicting old shophouses.

Dr Arthi Premkumar, associate consultant at AH's healthy ageing programme, says the vintage-themed interior encourages patients to explore as part of physiotherapy sessions.