With You in Mind
Issue 8 | March 2025
Hi there!
Welcome to the March issue of With You in Mind, a newsletter by Dementia Singapore in collaboration with The Straits Times.
This month, we bring you key updates from Budget 2025, unveiled by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, with new measures to help seniors live safely and comfortably at home while receiving better healthcare and long-term care support.
The Enhancement for Active Seniors (Ease) programme will now extend to private property residents, offering subsidies for home safety modifications such as grab bars and wall-mounted foldable shower seats.
Additionally, lower-income seniors making voluntary MediSave contributions will receive a dollar-for-dollar match, while long-term care subsidies and home caregiving grants are set to increase, benefiting over 80,000 seniors. With these measures, the government aims to provide financial relief and greater security for an ageing population.
On the healthcare front, a new AI-powered dementia screening tool, ReCognAIze, promises to transform early detection.
Developed by Nanyang Technological University’s Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, this app-based tool can identify mild cognitive impairment in just 15 minutes with 90 per cent accuracy. Currently available for free at select clinics, it makes cognitive testing more accessible and affordable.
Beyond healthcare, the Haydays with Horses programme is bringing joy, movement and connection to seniors by letting them walk, groom and bond with miniature horses. Launched by charity Equal with Temasek Foundation, NTUC Health, the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health and the Institute of Mental Health, this two-year pilot is all about reducing loneliness and keeping seniors active in a fun and engaging way.
Running until September 2026, the programme will reach 800 seniors across nursing homes and ageing centres. Researchers are looking into how it boosts mood, cognition and social interaction – hopefully making horse therapy a permanent part of eldercare.
Happy reading!
PM Wong unveils bumper SG60 Budget for all Singaporeans
The $143 billion package offers vouchers, tax rebates and support measures while driving growth, upskilling and sustainability to benefit all income groups.
Budget 2025: More help for seniors, including those living in private property
Under the Enhancement for Active Seniors programme, seniors will get more help to outfit their homes with age-friendly features and pay for their medical needs.
NTU launches screening tool to detect pre-dementia
Early clinical trials showed that ReCognAIze, the AI-powered tool which can identify early signs of cognitive impairment within just 15 minutes, is almost 90 per cent accurate.
Equine therapy helps seniors stay active and connected
In the Haydays with Horses programme, seniors practise harnessing on a horse doll, walk, groom, feed horses and engage in cognitive activities like journaling and puzzles.
‘Ageing’ Bukit Panjang gets third active ageing centre, with a fourth on the way
The latest AAC is expected to engage up to 1,300 senior residents, who can enjoy exercise sessions or art activities in scenic surroundings.
Ageing in Singapore: It takes a village to support our seniors
A community of care and connection is essential to ensure they live with dignity and purpose.
Six innovative products at world’s largest tech expo tackling ageing challenges
Among them is Jennie, a lifelike robotic Labrador that provides those living with dementia companionship through touch and voice interactions, offering therapeutic benefits without the challenges of pet care.
Residents move into first assisted-living flats in Bukit Batok
The community care apartments feature senior-friendly fittings such as wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, along with health and community services to support independent living.
A Good Place to find ‘hope, healing and support’
Presbyterian Community Social Services opens a new community hub to support seniors and youth with special needs, featuring novel therapies like cold room therapy and life skills programmes.
Mental health charities merge to provide lifelong support for youth and caregivers
Integrating Resilience Collective into Caregivers Alliance will bring together the young and the old to help deepen the understanding of mental health issues across generations.
This newsletter is brought to you by Dementia Singapore in collaboration with The Straits Times.
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