Advocating early assessment Building a dementia-friendly community

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 6 November 2023 - The Hang Lung X HKYWCA "Love·No·Limit" Dementia Friendly Program – Community Inclusion Day, co-organized for the third consecutive year by Hang Lung Properties (SEHK stock code: 00101) (the "Company" or "Hang Lung") and the Hong Kong Young Women's Christian Association ("HKYWCA"), was successfully held at Amoy Plaza last weekend. Activities from free brain health consultations and cognitive testing providing information about important community resources and referral services to an exhibition of artworks co-created by dementia patients, carers and volunteers are offered at the event. The two-day event attracted more than 12,000 members of the community, dementia patients, and carers. To keep promoting a dementia-friendly community, the "Love·No·Limit" Community Inclusion Day, expected to benefit more than 240 people with complimentary cognitive assessment, will also take place at Kornhill Plaza this year from November 11 to 12. With the theme of "Flying Free," this year's Community Inclusion Day had its kick-off ceremony officiated by Mr. Leung Po Wah, Taddy, District Social Welfare Officer (Kwun Tong) of the Social Welfare Department; Ms. Helen Lau, Deputy Director (Head of Hong Kong Business Operation) of Hang Lung Properties; and Mr. Chow Wah Tat, Kenneth, Service Director (Elderly Services) of the HKYWCA. At the event, more than 70 kites made by dementia patients, carers, Hang Lung As One volunteers and young volunteers from HKYWCA were displayed against a backdrop of famous scenic spots across the city. The inspiring image illustrated the message that dementia patients can live freely and flourish in a supportive community. It also represented the vision of an inclusive, dementia-friendly society, which is possible when people from all walks of life work together. Artworks such as clay dim sum, cyanotype decorations, and stress relief paintings created by people with dementia and their carers were displayed at the "Dementia Friendly Art Gallery." The exhibits allowed the public to appreciate each piece's creativity while becoming more aware of the physical and mental health challenges of carers. Ms. Helen Lau, Deputy Director (Head of Hong Kong Business Operation) of Hang Lung Properties, said, "Since the Hang Lung X HKYWCA 'Love·No·Limit' Dementia Friendly Program was launched in 2021, it has supported more than 2,200 dementia patients and their carers. Close to 300 of our frontliners have also completed the Social Welfare Department-approved 'Dementia Friends' training course, giving them the skills to provide appropriate assistance while they are at work to people with dementia. We were delighted to bring a selection of merchants on board for this year's Community Inclusion Day, offering exclusive shopping concessions to elderly people to encourage them to stay active and be involved in the community while also responding to the Social Welfare Department's appeal to help ease pressures on carers. In the future, Hang Lung will continue to demonstrate our support for dementia patients and their carers, with the aim of building a more inclusive, caring, and dementia friendly community, and fulfilling the Company's commitment to improving social wellbeing." Mr. Leung Po Wah, Taddy, District Social Welfare Officer (Kwun Tong) from the Social Welfare Department, said, " Our government has always been concerned about the need of support for dementia patients and their carers. This year, the Government has launched out various enhanced initiatives, including a 24-hour Designated Hotline for Carer Support (182 183) and an one-stop Information Gateway for Carers to make it easier for them to seek assistance when necessary. To promote dementia friendliness and support for carers, it is not only important for the Government to allocate resources but also for the business sector and social welfare organizations to collaborate to expand community networks and create a caring workplace culture that accepts and understands the challenges faced by...