Thursday, July 21, 2011

A DAYCARE CENTRE THAT'S LIKE A SECOND HOME

Sharing tips on how to use creativity to enhance memory at ADFM.
Sometime back in May, a small announcement in the papers caught my attention. It was a free talk on "How to manage your memory with creativity". What drew my attention wasn't so much the topic as the venue of the talk - Alzheimer's Disease Foundation of Malaysia (ADFM), PJ.

For the past few months I've been checking out daycare centres for my mom. I must have visited more than a dozen. None of them had what I was looking for - a daily schedule of activities to keep the elderly mentally, physically and socially occupied. At every home that I visited, the residents were left on their own most of the time. They would either be staring blankly at the TV screen, or lying in bed waiting listlessly for the next meal. The carers were always too busy to give individual attention.

ADFM has a strong support group of volunteers that organizes free monthly talks for the public. Last Saturday caregivers shared their personal challenges in caring for their elderly parents or spouse with AD. Moral support helps reduce the stress that primary caregivers often face. 

On my first visit to ADFM in Petaling Jaya, I knew my search was finally over. This was the perfect daycare centre for my mother. However, admission was not that straightforward. I had to get a geriatrician to diagnose that mom has AD. I also needed a referral letter from him.

I immediately made an appointment for mom to see Dr Philip Poi of University of Malaya Specialist Centre (UMSC) on 30 May. He spent 45 minutes chatting with mom and putting her through some simple tests. Based on her answers and his observations, he confirmed that mom displayed early signs of AD. He wrote me a referral for ADFM. That was sufficient to get mom accepted as a client there. (That's the term used at ADFM.)

Mom with some of the table top games apparatus. There's also bingo and singalong sessions, but mom's favorite group activity is mahjong. She always wins, hands down.
Mom has been at ADFM's daycare centre for two months now. She no longer feels so lonely and bored. She now has something to look forward to each weekday - a place to go to where she can share stories with her new friends and enjoy activities tailored to her needs. This is important as AD patients need mental stimulation and social interaction.

My mom participating in the daily morning exercise session at the pavilion led by centre manager, Ms Jade Wong, who is also a nursing tutor.

 One of the staff members helping my mom with the hand exercises. Looking after the elderly can drain one's patience, many times more so when they have AD, but the carers at the centre have been wonderful.
Here's a pictorial tour of the ADFM facilities and services. For more details, please contact the centre manager Jade Wong or Janet who runs the secretariat at No 6, Lorong 11/8E, Section 11, PJ, tel: 03-7956 2008, e-mail: adfmsec@streamyx.com 
First impression counts when visitors step into the centre.
Reflexology path for the clients, with hand bar all along the side to prevent falls.
Exercise corner for those who enjoy cycling.
Some of the drawings done by the clients.
A daily schedule designed to keep the clients mentally and physically active - very important for people with AD.
Dining area with the kitchen in the background. The place is kept spotlessly clean. That speaks well of the staff.
The cosy rest room for the women should they want to lie down or take a nap. Spacious, clean and comfortable as a dormitory should be.
The men's rest room -  no pink sheets here,  but just as comfy and clean. As is the case in all nursing homes and daycare centres, there are more women than men, a clear indication that women enjoy a longer life span.

 A clean, odour-free bathroom cum toilet reflects well on the maintenance of facilities at the centre.

ADFM's other daycare centre is located at Taman Seputeh in Kuala Lumpur. It also runs a residential homecare centre at Telok Panglima Garang, Kuala Langat, Selangor.

 ADFM's homecare centre at Telok Panglima Garang, about 45 minutes' drive from KL.
The spacious hall with the dining area on the left.

 A choice of 6-bed, 3-bed, 2-bed or single-bed rooms to suit individual preferences.

Bathroom and toilet equipped with seat and grab bars.

If you are interested in finding out more about ADFM's residential homecare centre, you can contact Angela Lee at 03-3122 6908. You can also check out ADFM's website at http://www.adfm.org.my and ADFM's blog at http://adfmmalaysia.blogspot.com/

  ADFM's newsletter and pamphlet.


1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I notice in the schedule of activities,beside group activities, there is "foursome" activities like mahjong. Perhaps have more "private" space like English/Chinese chess games? I think these stimulate brain activities and may be of assist to seniors....not all seniors are "too socially inclined", I think.

Just a thought...
Cheers!