PAP Community Foundation Officially Opens PCF Sparkle Care @ Shunfu

Singapore, 23 November 2019 – PCF Sparkle Care @ Shunfu was officially opened today by Guest-of-Honour, Member of Parliament for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, Mr Chong Kee Hiong. The new PCF Sparkle Care centre, which commenced operations on 1 November 2018, incorporates three new therapy methods into its services in order to provide quality senior care. These new therapy methods consist of rehabilitation with console-based gaming, stimulation in a sensory room and boxing activities to help improve the physical and cognitive well-being of the seniors.

In total, the Senior Care Centre will offer four therapy methods to encourage healthy and active aging. The opening of PCF Sparkle Care @ Shunfu reaffirms PCF’s commitment to providing quality and affordable senior care services. PCF Sparkle Care @ Shunfu is one of PCF’s six Senior Care Centres currently operating in Singapore.

To meet the growing need for senior care in Singapore, PCF Sparkle Care @ Shunfu provides a holistic range of services within its integrated senior care facility, including maintenance care to help seniors maintain their function and fitness, dementia care for seniors with dementia, rehabilitation care to improve seniors’ functionality, and general nursing care to enhance their well-being.

Therapy Methods Provided at PCF Sparkle Care @ Shunfu

1. Rehabilitation with console-based gaming (NEW)

During this therapy, seniors will experience console-based games like Nintendo Switch, which have been found to improve cognitive functions such as memory and attention span. As these interactive games can be played in group settings, seniors are also encouraged to be more participative and motivated. Additionally, these games were found to be

effective in improving seniors’ physical and mental endurance. At the centre, rehabilitation with console-based gaming has been gaining popularity amongst the seniors.

2. Stimulation in a sensory Room (NEW)

The sensory room is a room specially designed for people with dementia to safely explore and stimulate all their five senses. The sensory room is created with the appropriate use of colour, furniture, aroma, music and tactile objects (e.g. a sensory pillow) to help stimulate or calm the senses of seniors with dementia. Engagement with their surroundings will help seniors relieve stress and pain, as well as bring about a sense of comfort.

3. Boxing activities (NEW)

During this therapy, the seniors participate in an exciting and fun aerobic workout which will help boost their strength and balance. The boxing stance engages the seniors’ core, back and leg muscles, while the punches strengthen their arms and shoulders. Participating in boxing also helps improve the balance and coordination of high fall risk seniors, such as those who suffer from Parkinson’s or stroke.

4. Cognitive Stimulation Therapy

The Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is an evidence-based group therapy treatment that is modified by PCF Sparkle Care professional occupational therapists to suit the seniors with mild to moderate dementia. A group of six to eight seniors meets twice a week for 12 weeks to participate in facilitated themed activities aimed at providing stimulation for thinking, concentration and memory. Each session lasts 45 minutes. This therapy has been found to improve cognition, quality of life, communication and social interaction among seniors with dementia.

During the opening ceremony, Guest-of-Honour Mr Chong Kee Hiong shared, “We have received encouraging feedback from the seniors’ family members and it shows that our senior residents in the Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC have benefited greatly from the services provided at the new PCF Sparkle Care @ Shunfu. The therapy methods offered within its integrated senior care facility have allowed our seniors to receive quality person-centred health and social care, which has improved their overall well-being. We look forward to working hand in hand with PCF Sparkle Care to continue enhancing assistance to the senior residents in our neighbourhood.”

From 2020, PCF Sparkle Care @ Shunfu will also be holding Caregiver Training for family members of the seniors enrolled in the centre. The training aims to create a platform for family members to meet and share caregiving experiences, as well as learn practical tips on how to better care for their seniors at home. Some of the topics that will be covered during the training include Fall Prevention and Home Safety, Personal Care for Persons with Dementia, and Food and Nutrition.

During a tour of the centre’s facilities, Mr Chong Kee Hiong and guests experienced first-hand some of the programmes offered at PCF Sparkle Care @ Shunfu.