COVID-19: Identifiers for persons with dementia should they break rules inadvertently
SINGAPORE — The Alzheimer’s Disease Association (ADA) and the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) have launched a new set of identifiers to support persons with dementia who may inadvertently break safe distancing rules.
In a joint press release on Tuesday (5 May), the two agencies said that this is part a new initiative called SPOC-19 (Support for Persons living with dementia Over the COVID-19 period), which seeks to prepare and support those with dementia as well as their families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ADA and AIC said that there are concerns from families regarding their loved ones with dementia who may unintentionally break safe distancing rules, as they may lack the cognitive ability to fully understand the COVID-19 situation.
As such, caregivers and social service agencies are concerned that these people may not be able to comply with the circuit breaker measures, and may put themselves at risk.
To address these concerns, SPOC-19 is introducing three “identifiers” that persons with dementia and their caregivers can register for. Members of the public or ground enforcement authorities can recognise this vulnerable group through these identifiers and offer appropriate assistance.
The three identifiers are:
Memo by ADA
Safe Return Card by National Council of Social Service
In Case of Emergency, Dial (ICED) Sticker by AIC
How to apply for ADA Memo
The ADA Memo is the newest identifier to complement the existing Safe Return Card and ICED Sticker. Persons with dementia and their caregivers can either apply through their Community Care providers or via the ADA website.
“This personalised ADA Memo will identify them as being registered with ADA, and appeals for patience, support and understanding from enforcement officers in the event that they are approached for breaking the circuit breaker rules inadvertently,” said ADA chief executive officer Jason Foo.
The SPOC-19 initiative, which is supported by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, will be applicable as long as COVID-19 safe distancing measures are in place in Singapore.
ADA and AIC also shared resources with these enforcement agencies on how to recognise the signs, symptoms and behaviours of persons with dementia, as well as how to engage them with empathy and tact.
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