More agencies join project for seniors with dementia

AWWA's newer hosts among its 12 partners include a dog shelter, fish farm, monastery

- Chin Soo Fang

Mr Remus Tan, a 72-year-old retired product planner, has visited Faith Music Centre in Stadium Walk over six sessions to learn how to play instruments like the drums and guitar.

"Music is the best in the world. It frees your mind," said Mr Tan, who is a fan of 1970s pop group The Bee Gees.

He is among over 80 seniors with dementia who have taken part in social service agency AWWA's Care Beyond Walls project.

Under the project, seniors with dementia visit AWWA's partner organisations, where they participate in activities to improve their mental and physical well-being in a natural and inclusive setting.

Mr Alvin Yeo, founder of Faith Music Centre, said its activities for seniors encourage movement, spark creativity and help maintain muscle memory.

"We recognise that music is a powerful tool for seniors living with dementia as it offers not just a means of engagement, but a way to express themselves and tap into fond memories," he said.

"Even when our seniors forget who they are, or who's around them, the familiar melody of a song can bring comfort and feelings of safety."

Faith Music Centre is one of the project's newer host organisations.

At a recent media briefing, AWWA said the project now has 12 partner organisations, after it launched in 2022 with three - Elias Park Primary School, Jamiyah Childcare Centre and Sri Darma Muneeswaran Temple.