Madam Choi’s children have moved away from Hong Kong. She found it hard to adapt to a new living environment overseas, so she returned to Hong Kong alone, dwelling in a small public housing flat. The Salvation Army Tai Wo Hau Centre for Senior Citizens is her second home. She often uses massage facilities and participates in the activities of the Centre, preparing to age peacefully in the familiar community.

 

Then an illness got in the way.

 

Keys are often left in the lock when she is home. Water keeps running from the tap when she is out. Reminders from people are heard and soon forgotten. The same question is asked again and again. Sometimes she does not show up for activities. Once she received a call about a home visit but went to the Centre instead, only to see the astonished faces of the volunteers and immediately rushed home. The Salvation Army social worker found her poor memory unusual, so a medical assessment was arranged for her. Then Choi was finally diagnosed with dementia.

 

 

Different from the normal aging process, dementia is a degenerative brain disease. Patients suffer a decline in memory and thinking ability at the early stage; unstable emotions and day-and-night confusion at the middle stage; and finally loss of self-care ability, inability to understand or use speech, incontinence, etc.

 

Singleton elderly may not know how to seek help when accidents take place at home, let alone those with dementia. Therefore, the Army recruited a group of enthusiastic youth and elderly volunteer ambassadors to pay regular visits to the elderly, observing their home condition and self-care ability. If they notice any problem, they will immediately report to the Army for further support. For example, Choi’s daily life was once affected by the flaking ceiling, so the Army provided home renovation service and repainted the area.

 

 

“When people come to visit me, I’m so, so happy!” Choi loves sitting right outside her home to wait for the volunteers. Whenever she sees young figures come along the corridor, she will happily chuckle. Young volunteers often bring cognitive training tools from the Army to play memory games with her, which helps slow down the progression of the illness. Through nice chats, Choi feels care and warmth. The half-day gathering reminds her that there are people around walking with her on the road of illness. Kam-yin, an elderly volunteer who has built a close relationship with Choi, always invites her to join the outings organised by the Army and takes care of her like a sister. Choi squinted with a smile and said, “Kam-yin takes me to outings. If she goes, I will go!”

 

Through the Army, Choi is supported by a community network, alone but not lonely, with volunteers of all ages standing by her. Who says those with illness cannot smile? Choi particularly likes chatting and laughing with The Salvation Army social workers, grasping every memorable moment in life. 

 

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Energetic Youth Cheers up Elderly

 

The energy and vitality of young people can open up the mind of the elderly to lead a positive later life. The Salvation Army is committed to promoting the integration of young and old generations. For example, “TEEN E. Project” helps the youth learn about dementia and serve the elderly with dementia or cognitive impairment in The Salvation Army units. Youngsters are encouraged and motivated to understand and serve the elders’ needs.

 

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Do Not Underestimate Memory Decline

 

Memory loss may seem natural with old age, but it is also one of the symptoms of “dementia”. In Hong Kong, about one-tenth of the elderly over 65 suffer from it*. Patients not only experience memory deterioration, but also have difficulties in using language to express themselves. They are confused about time and place, having weak judgment. In the worst case, they even lose self-care ability.

 

To alleviate the pressure of carers and family, The Salvation Army Carer Project, Day Care Centres and Integrated Home Care Services provide community care and emotional support for the needy. There are also regular groups and individual training activities such as cognitive stimulation activities, reminiscence therapy, music therapy and more to help slow down the deterioration process. The Army is preparing to open a memory clinic in Tai Po to provide assessments and treatments for the suspected dementia cases referred by geriatric specialists. Professionals including nurses, occupational therapists and social workers will provide early identification and intervention services to help the needy.

 

Enquiry：

 

Tai Po Multi-service Centre for Senior Citizens 2653 6811

Yaumatei Multi-service Centre for Senior Citizens 2332 0005

 

*According to a study jointly conducted by the Department of Health and the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2006.