Classes are held in the computer rooms of local junior high schools. In addition to the course instructor, there will be junior high school students to sit beside older persons and assist them throughout the class.
September 21 is the "World Alzheimer's Action Day", and so Musashino City municipal government proclaimed September as "The Month to Learn about Dementia" for the City. There are educational campaigns, public talks, counselling, etc, are organized each year.
The City offers a regular seminar on dementia, with a view to making their community dementia-friendly. Recognizing the fact that 1 in 10 older persons (65 years and above) living in Musashino City is affected by the disease, this free, public education programme provides basic knowledge and practical tips for comminicating and living with persons affected by dementia. Anyone living in Musashino City is welcome, and upon completion they are given an orange wrist band of "community dementia supporter".
The local government promotes ageing in place, and to create a community where residents want to keep on living regardless of how old they may become. In recognition of the fact that many elders living alone lose all social contacts, older persons (70 years and over, living alone or with an elderly spouse) may ask the local government to arrange for regular visits by community volunteers. A volunteer will come for a face-to-face discussion on the desired frequency of visits and emergency contacts at the beginning of the service.
Carers for the elderly, including family members, relatives, volunteers and neighbours are the target beneficiaries of the Service. Through talks, programmes and provision of resource materials, it promotes the well-being of the carers and raises public awareness on the needs of the carers.
"Angel Action" is held every year to train volunteers, including former carers, professional nurses and retired persons, to provide trainings and support to dementia patients. The Action has trained over 200 volunteers and the longest service term of volunteer has exceeded 5 years.
The Camp, organized annually, provides an opportunity for dementia patients and their families to strengthen their relationship. Professional therapists and psychologists are also invited to the camp to oberserve and give feedbacks to the families about their behaviour.
This club provides games and outdoor activities to dementia patients so that they can build a social network. Also, it is a platform for carers and families of the patients to support each other and release stress.
This is the first mobile truck for dementia patients in Hong Kong, to reach out for dementia patients. Operating since 2013, the truck is equipped with an activity room where consultations and cognitive trainings for patients can be carried out. The service is provided free of charge. The truck will travel to districts with a large elderly population and with inadequate support services for dementia patients. It will cooperate with local community organizations to promote the service.
The Coalition is a voluntary association initiated in 2007 by carers and families of dementia patients. It is a platform for the carers of dementia patients to interact with and support one another. It also promotes community education to raise public awareness on dementia patients. Advocacy and lobbying activities to the government on improving policies for dementia patients are also conducted.
