Care for the Elderly Active Mind


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Welcome to "Care for the Elderly - Active Mind"

"Care for the Elderly - Active Mind" is the first community programme in Hong Kong which brings together non-government organisations (NGOs), the business community and the public to raise funds for the elderly to combat the threat of dementia, and to foster greater awareness of this illness.

Why "Active Mind"
What we aim for
What we do
	Public donations for elderly to combat the threat of dementia
	Volunteering
"Active Mind" 2007 Programme Results
How you can help

Why "Active Mind"

Source: Hong Kong Population Projections 2008-2036:
Census and Statistics Depertment, The Government of the HKSAR

To date, around 5-10% elderly aged 65 or above is suffering from dementia. As evidenced by researches, there is a new case for every seven seconds and the figure may reach 80 millions world-wide by 2040.

There exists no exception for Hong Kong. A number of local studies revealed that one in 10 Hong Kong residents aged 65 or above is afflicted with dementia, and the number of sufferers is expected to soar to around 110,000 by 2020 as the population continues to age. Given the limited knowledge of dementia among the local community, early symptoms of the illness are often not noticed or are mistaken as part of the normal ageing process.

While there is no cure for dementia, research has shown that medication and memory training at early stage can slow the pace of brain dysfunction. With early diagnosis, early treatment can be commenced.

In view of this, CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP), in collaboration with the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS), has launched the "Care for the Elderly - Active Mind" charity programme last year to raise funds for deprived elderly with suspected cognitive impairment to go through assessment and memory training, and to promote Early Detection and Early Intervention.

In 2007, over 160 promotional events and functions in different arrays were organised to spread the messages to some 20,000 elderly. The project successfully raised more than a million dollars for over 5,000 elderly in need to receive cognitive assessments and came up with an encouraging result. Around 70% of those who were suspected to have early cognitive impairment and completed the memory training showed improvements after the conclusion.

To repeat the good practice, this programme will be further extended to another 5,000 elderly in need this year! With the support of HKCSS, a new programme Steering Committee consists of professionals representing various aspects of the elderly care field is established, which will continuously drive the programme to its fruition.

What we aim for

	Garner public support to raise funds to provide free cognitive assessment to about 5,000 elderly people, and the subsequent memory training classes for those who are eligible
	Raise public awareness of the illness through public education
	Relieve patients' families, caregivers and society in general from the burden of dementia
	Promote the concept of caring for the elderly among the general public

What we do

Public donations for elderly to combat the threat of dementia

This year, we call for public support to raise funds to help another 5,000 elderly with suspected cognitive impairment. From now until 31 July 2009, CLP will match every HK$100 donated by the public with an additional $100*. All funds generated will be used to provide free cognitive assessment and memory training classes for elderly in need, and to support dementia-related public education activities.

Every dollar you donate will help our elderly make further contribution to the community with their wisdom and expertise.

Act Now! Your donation will help promote mental health among the elderly.

* CLP will provide a $1 to $1 matching donation up to a maximum of HK$400,000
# Cognitive assessment and memory training classes will be co-ordinated by The Hong Kong Council of Social Service

Volunteering

On "World Alzheimer’s Day" (21 September) last year, around 50 enthusiastic CLP colleagues, together with elderly volunteers and students, joined together to raise funds for the "Active Mind" programme in seven MTR stations and three shopping arcades.

A team of trained CLP employees has formed a corporate volunteer team that focuses on dementia, the first of its kind in Hong Kong. In 2008, they will continue stretching out their helping hands to those elderly in need by assisting the social workers and occupational therapists to conduct the memory training programmes.

"Active Mind" 2007 Programme Results

How you can help

SUPPORT US! Help 5,000 elderly combat the threat of dementia

ONLINE DONATION Please click "Active Mind"

KNOW the warning signs. Learn to recognise the cognitive changes that may signal the onset of dementia in your loved ones