SINGAPORE - The first community-based facility designed to support persons living with dementia and their caregivers opened in Toa Payoh.

National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat, who represents the Toa Payoh West–Thomson division in the Bishan–Toa Payoh GRC, officially opened the first Voices for Hope Centre, located at Toa Payoh Central Community Club on Oct 3.

Chee said it was particularly meaningful for the space to be in his constituency as it is Singapore’s first Age Well Neighbourhood.

As part of this initiative, there are dementia-friendly features to create a senior-friendly environment, some of which were introduced in consultation with Dementia Singapore.

Chee cited the examples of larger block numbers accompanied by distinctive and colourful motifs in parts of Toa Payoh to help persons living with dementia recognise their blocks.

There are also colour-coded illustrations of familiar childhood games at Toa Payoh Bus Interchange to help seniors and persons living with dementia navigate the interchange.

With Singapore now a super-aged society, with more than ...