By KT Leong
Through the efforts of The Rotary Club of Greentown, as well as supporting parties such as the Rotary Club of Taipei Rui An and Rotary Club of Makati Edsa, as well as the Dementia Society of Perak, the Rotary Foundation’s Global Grant Project for “Training in Dementia Care” was successfully initiated.
This was held on 21 November, at the BEBELEC Daycare Center from 2.45 pm to 5 pm.
Visited by The Rotary Foundation Trustees Chair, Past Rotary International President Mark Maloney, they have installed Malaysia’s first dementia specific Therapeutic Garden and Virtual Forest (TGVF).
Much like the Rotary Fit Park at Dr. Seenivasagam Recreational Park, this TGVF comes at a very fitting time. With approximately 7.7 percent of Malaysia’s population reaching the age of 65 and above, and 1 out of 7 of that 7.7 percent likely to develop some form of dementia or related disease, the TGVF will be a great tool in helping those living with dementia.
The TGVF is a multi-sensory and motor stimulation facility. It has features such as ample and strategically placed seating for resting, a design to create the soothing ambiance of flowing water, a circular path with bright yellow rails to prevent confusion and ensure safety, and even a selection of plants designed to trigger happy past memories through smell and colour.
Meanwhile, for the Virtual Forest component, it is an interactive virtual environment that empowers users to take control and engage in activities that bring them the most joy and satisfaction.
But Rotary Club projects are not just one-off construction projects, they have a sustainability element, such as enhancing the skills and confidence of caregivers through structured training programmes, ensuring that those living with dementia receive the care they need to thrive.
The training programmes include Train the Trainer Workshops, Caregiver and Healthcare Provider Training and Medical Student Training. This pairs well with the TGVF.
