What having a job means for those with dementia

Yet companies often do not see the need to become dementia-inclusive, says Ms Ong.

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Retaining an employee with dementia often requires extra effort. So, why would any company do that, let alone hire someone with dementia?

Mr Harry Toh, director of Orchid Laundry, has two reasons for doing so. One was to address manpower shortage, as hiring of foreign workers became more restricted. The other was a desire to make his family business more accessible.

A relative has special needs and Mr Toh, 45, says this made him think about what could be done to help others who might be marginalized.

Orchid Laundry has more than 100 staff, and at least 20 of them have dementia or special needs.

About a decade ago, it started a work therapy programme with Apex Harmony Lodge, a purpose-built home for people with dementia. Twice a week, residents and community clients of the lodge head to Gul Link, where they fold towels, bathrobes and linens from hotels.

Mr Tan and his peers work from about 10am to 2.30pm, including a tea break and a lunch break, and are paid $30 a session. They are accompanied by staff from the lodge and community volunteers, who keep the workers with dementia on track.

The workers from Apex Harmony Lodge operate differently from the laundry's other staff. They do their tasks around a table in an open area, to minimise noise and distraction. They have chairs to sit on, if they prefer.

Signage leads to the bathrooms, which have anti-slip mats.