Unleashing Potential: The Transformative Power of Therapy Through Work

In a world where dementia and cognitive impairments are on the rise, Apex Harmony Lodge (AHL) has embarked on a pioneering initiative that is reshaping the landscape of dementia care. Since 2013, "Therapy Through Work" (TTW) has been a beacon of hope, offering persons with dementia (PWDs) the chance to regain independence, find purpose, and reintegrate into society through therapeutic employment.

A Vision for Wellness

TTW was born out of a simple but novel idea: work as a form of therapy. By rekindling a sense of purpose, promoting independence, and fostering normalized living, TTW is positioned to be a game-changer in dementia care. The programme provides therapeutic employment opportunities, with AHL facilitating assessment, job matching, employment, onboarding, and work facilitation for its clients and partner companies. The programme has since expanded to include persons with mild cognitive impairments (PMCIs).

A Flexible and Age-Inclusive Approach

One of TTW's primary goals is to bridge the gap for many PWDs who still yearn for meaningful work opportunities. However, the challenges posed by their condition, age, or temperament often prevent them from committing to full-time jobs. TTW addresses this issue through a flexible and age-inclusive programme, welcoming individuals of any age who are able to work. The programme caters to the unique needs of its participants and accommodates varying schedules to provide an optimal fit.

A Journey of Empowerment and Rehabilitation

Before the participant carries out the work, psychological assessments are carried out, ensuring both participants and their employers receive the support they need. The programme conducts psychosocial assessments and provides referrals to partner organizations. In addition, AHL works with the partners in modifying the worksites to create an inclusive environment specific to the participant’s needs.

After this groundwork is laid, the programme focuses on reablement and rehabilitation by structuring a diverse range of tasks tailored to the participant’s individual needs, skills, and preferences. This allows PWDs to maintain functional independence and stay actively integrated in society. In the process, Dementia-trained coaches help facilitate the work, furthering supporting the participant and adjusting tasks to match the abilities while maintaining the right level of challenge and mastery.

Mr Yeo Kak Sin, affectionately known as Sky, is a prime example of the programme's personalisation. When he first enrolled in our programme, he initially worked in Orchid Laundry, a commercial and residential laundry service provider. As time passed, Sky yearned for more challenging work, and AHL stepped in to make this transition possible. His role at Café Brera now not only offers a stimulating environment but also serves as respite from his role as a caregiver for both his mother and mother-in-law, who has dementia.

The Power of Collaboration

TTW thrives on partnerships with like-minded partners. Building an inclusive society is a collaborative endeavour, and multi-dimensional partnerships with breadth and depth help strengthen the bonds between partners. These collaborations leverage AHL's dementia-specific expertise, the unique strengths and talents of each PWD, and the technical capabilities of their partners. For instance, TTW partners with Café Brera in the National Museum of Singapore, whose owner, Ms Thrina Low, champions a workplace aligned with the vision of TTW, promoting independence and normalizing living for PWDs, PMCIs, and seniors.

Thrina's philosophy exemplifies the heart of TTW. She emphasizes the importance of embracing individuals for who they are, rather than solely focusing on their medical conditions. Her approach aims to normalize lives and create an inclusive work environment. Thrina believes that everyone has unique abilities and can contribute to society, regardless of their condition.

A Vision for the Future

As the population in Singapore ages, programmes like TTW are rewriting the narrative surrounding dementia and cognitive impairments. Through collaboration and the creation of inclusive work environments, Singapore is moving towards a future where every individual, regardless of their condition, can be effective, engaged, and a valued member of society.

TTW aspires to unlock the potential of PWDs, PMCIs and seniors ultimately recognizing them as a valuable resource to society, irrespective of their diagnoses. Given the increasing prevalence of dementia, especially among younger adults, the imperative to create a dementia-conscious and inclusive Singapore has never been more evident.