Support for Dementia Patients at High Risk of Deteriorating due to COVID-19-related Social Isolation

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Health what steps have been taken by the Ministry and in concert with other organisations to support dementia patients who are at high risk of deteriorating psychiatric conditions due to social isolation in this COVID-19 pandemic.

We recognise that reduced social interactions can negatively impact the socio-emotional and mental well-being of seniors, including those with dementia. Hence, centre-based services, including exercise and cognitive activities, remain available, albeit at reduced capacities due to Safe Management Measures (SMM).

For dementia patients who require mental health support during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to make available our community mental health services, with added precautionary measures, to monitor their condition and escalate them for timely interventions if necessary. Intervention and counselling are conducted through telephone or video consultations for suitable patients. Service personnel will conduct home visits with SMM in place for those unsuitable for online or remote intervention.

While certain high-risk activities such as group activities, mask-off activities and door-to-door outreach services have been curtailed, in-person service is allowed to support patients with severe dementia, inadequate family support and intensive care needs, such as those at risk of injury or are at high risk of relapse of their dementia and/ or psychiatric conditions.

As we move into the Stabilisation Phase, we aim to have more partners gradually resume their activities and dementia patients would be able to continue their social activities in the community with SMM in place.