KUCHING: The Rotary Club of Bintulu Central (RCBC) is strengthening community-based dementia care efforts to address the growing impact of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
The Dementia Care Skills for Family implementation in the Alzheimer’s Care Project attracted over 80 participants, equipping caregivers and members of the public with practical knowledge and a deeper understanding of dementia care, at the Hock Lee Hotel & Residence here, today.
As Sarawak is rapidly transitioning to an ageing state, RCBC acknowledged how the increasing population growth is also increasing pressure on families, healthcare systems, and community support structures.
Its project chairman, Allen Wong, said that the initiative should be a collective responsibility effort that must begin within families and communities, and how such initiatives thrive through strong public participation alongside support from the government and healthcare sectors.
“This is not something we can wait for others to do, we must begin within our own families and communities by taking the initiative to build understanding, support and readiness together.
“With continued support from the government and healthcare sector laying the foundation, what is now needed is for the community to step forward and take part so that together, we can build a more supportive, prepared and less burdensome environment for the future,” he said.
The programme involves Sarawak State Health Department (JKNS) healthcare personnel as facilitators of the programme, together with its strategic partner, the Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia (ADFM), in supporting programme implementation and strengthening capacity development.
The programme is also supported by Sarawak Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Ministry (KPWK)-Social Development Council (MPS), and Yayasan Kelab-Kelab Rotary Malaysia, and is jointly funded by KPWK-MPS and Aik Loung Land & Marine Electric Motor Works Sdn Bhd. led by Datuk Wong Aik Loung.
As the project progresses, RCBC continues expanding its outreach and training efforts across Sarawak, including plans to extend the programme to major cities over the next two years, while also conducting regular public webinars to raise awareness and strengthen community-based dementia care support systems.
