Dementia-Friendly Neighbourhood: Translating Ethnographic Research to Pilot Evidence-Based Design in Singapore

Dementia is a critical issue in Singapore - 1 in 10 older adults (60 years or above) suffers from Dementia. Exacerbating the issue, many people living with dementia (PLWDs) are housebound as present outdoor environments are not conducive for them to navigate their local neighbourhoods. Moreover, Singapore's high-rise, high-density, and hyper-sensorial outdoor environment demands a unique, localised approach that renders guidelines done elsewhere less applicable. 10 pairs of PLWDs and their caregivers were engaged in design ethnographic studies to test 10 hypothesised characteristics of a dementia-friendly neighbourhood. Findings highlighted that enhancing key social nodes and reducing the complexity of the spatial environment can improve PLWD's psycho-social perception of their neighbourhood. Planning of PWLDs' favourite activities and addressing caregivers' concerns can encourage both to come out from their homes. This led to development of four design thinking principles: (+) Design to strengthen mental map, (-) Design with a minimalist approach, (x) Design to include a wider community, especially caregivers, (÷) Design for incremental change. The principles were translated into design prototypes at a linear stretch walkway in Yio Chu Kang Zone 9, based on the analogy of 'lighthouses' and 'buoys'. Interventions consist of anchors like the 'Blue Court' and the 'Play Corner' (lighthouses) with rest stops (buoys) in sheltered void decks that form an easy-to-remember walking loop. Design efficacy was accessed through post-implementation review with residents.