Project builds 'cognitive friendly' neighborhoods

Community involvement

The bureau said that in addition to providing direct services for seniors and families, it is essential that construction of the "friendly network and culture" is included in policy guidance and evaluations during the pilot process.

As part of the pilot, social welfare organizations have begun promoting awareness of popular science and mental health education related to cognitive impairment within the community. They have also explored the establishment of community networks tailored to local conditions.

Visits to community groups, businesses and schools have allowed them to explain mental degeneration and develop a large number of support groups.

For example, elementary and secondary schools in the Hongqiao, Yangjing, Tangqiao and Xinhong neighborhoods host classes about cognitive impairment.

Jinmei Elderly Care staff members have designed and developed interactive science popularization courses and illustrated handbooks to encourage a positive perception of cognitively impaired people among children, and encourage them to care for seniors at home.

Inevitably, there have been problems, according to the bureau.

"For example, there is a shortfall in the capabilities of some organizations to provide services, while others are unable to meet the requirements of higher professional risk assessment, early intervention and family support within the pilot process," Jiang Rui said.

She said the next step will be to provide more training for pilot neighborhoods and social organizations, while gradually improving the risk-assessment system, obtaining accurate data about cognitive impairment in Shanghai and bolstering the project evaluation and supervision system.