Project Overview

Hong Kong's aging population presents a unique challenge: the rising prevalence of dementia. J.C. DISI is tackling this head-on with a series of sustainable initiatives designed to foster a more inclusive and supportive society. Aligned with the Hong Kong government's "Aging in Place" policy and UN Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4, 10, & 11, our work is transforming how Hong Kong understands and responds to dementia.

We engaged the community through a series of activities, including awareness-raising activities, co-creation workshops, interactive symposium, and implementable projects to empower community members to become agents of change: Movie Screening: Raise public awareness> Online Seminars: Enhance Dementia knowledge> Co-creation Workshops: Ignite creativity> Action Projects: Implement Innovative Ideas. Around 1,200 participants were engaged in the series of activities. These platforms spark dialogue, build empathy, and empower participants to become agents of change. Two action projects have emerged from this collaborative process: (1) "Gamification of Public Education of Dementia-Friendly Practices" and (2) "Property Management Service Training—Elderly (Dementia) Care Support Skills."

Imagine a city where public spaces and services are designed with the needs of individuals living with dementia in mind. Our initiatives made this a reality by equipping community stakeholders, including caregivers and property management professionals, with the knowledge and skills to create dementia-friendly environments. Through deploying design thinking methods in the activities, we raised not just awareness; we fostered a culture of understanding and support where community partners can take part in the pilot projects for people with dementia.

Organisation

Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation, Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Team

The project team was led by Debby Cheng, who served as the Senior Manager at the Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation (J.C.DISI) at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), along with two Project Associates and a Project Assistant. The team comprised members with interdisciplinary backgrounds. Debby, an experienced non-profit project manager, began her career as a journalist. One Project Associate was a product designer, while the other was trained as a social worker. Each Project Associate was responsible for the overall research, design, and coordination of one of the two action projects: the Dementia Simulation Game Kit and "Property Management Service Training Elderly (Dementia) Care Support Skills. The Project Assistant provided vital administrative support.

Interdisciplinary academic advisors and collaborators from various departments at PolyU contributed to the development of these Action Projects. Notable contributors included Dr Daphne Cheung from the Nursing School, Dr Choi Kai Yip from the Department of Optometry, Dr Jane Wang from the Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies, and Dr Tsui Chi Man from the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences.

In addition to the in-house team organizing a series of community engagement activities, the two Action Projects involved external strategic partners in the co-creation process. Yan Oi Tong, an NGO, supported the research and development of the Dementia Simulation Game Kit by mobilizing individuals with dementia, their family caregivers, and volunteers. The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Property Managers assisted in developing the Property Management Service Training by referring professionals to participate in the pilot program and supporting the accreditation of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Scheme at the Property Management Services Authority.

A wide range of interdisciplinary stakeholders participated in the community engagement activities. For example, the Social Enterprise Illuminant, the Department of Social Work and Social Administration at the University of Hong Kong, the School of Nursing at Tung Wah College, the NGO Art in Hospital, the Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Service Hong Kong, the Jockey Club Centre for Positive Ageing, and the design firm Enable Foundation all contributed to disseminating knowledge about dementia care and empowering participants.

Project Brief

Imagine a society where understanding & support for individuals living with dementia are seamlessly integrated into daily life. We are transforming this vision into reality via an exciting array of initiatives, including movie screenings, seminars, co-creation workshops & a symposium. Through these dynamic events, J.C.DISI did not just raise awareness about the dementia trend in Hong Kong; we ignited a movement! We empowered participants to take action and engage in co-creating innovative solutions, all through a series of over 10 impactful activities.

One standout initiative is the "Dementia Simulation Game Kit," which immerses players in the daily challenges faced by individuals with dementia, fostering empathy and understanding through interactive gameplay. Alongside this, our "Property Management Service Training—Elderly (Dementia) Care Support Skills" features 9 engaging modules delivered over 24 hours for property managers. This course employs innovative methods like VR games and group activities, emphasising user-friendly designs and sustainability. Together, these activities are compact yet powerful, catalysing a mindset change and creating opportunities for participants to actively contribute to building a dementia-friendly community.

The results are compelling: we have witnessed a significant culture shift within the property management sector, enhancing the quality of care and empowering professionals. An impressive 89% to 94% of property management professionals reported that the knowledge gained from the training is applicable to their daily practices, while approximately 75% of community members who participated in the gameplay are now equipped with the knowledge & awareness necessary to foster a friendly dementia culture.

Project Innovation/Need

Our innovative initiatives in dementia education and care form a holistic package aimed at fostering a dementia-friendly society, aligning with the SDGS to support Hong Kong's super-aged population. With dementia ranking as the eighth leading cause of death in Hong Kong and nearly half of individuals aged 85 and older affected, our approach is both timely and essential.

• Form: We utilise a multi-faceted approach, including co-creation workshops, symposiums, training, and gamified public education programs, fostering active community engagement and collaboration.

• Function: Our initiatives enhance knowledge, awareness, and practical skills through cross-sectional and interdisciplinary learning and professionalisation, ultimately developing a dementia-friendly community.

• Quality and Outcome: Together, these activities create a robust framework that enhances the quality of care in housing estates, empowers property management professionals, and cultivates a culture of understanding and inclusivity in the community. 75% of players of the game kit and 89% to 94% of the training enhanced their dementia knowledge. The culmination of these efforts has led to a culture change in the community. Our training is now recognised as part of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Scheme launched by the Property Management Services Authority, driving institutional change and establishing new standards for dementia care in housing estates. By promoting a culture of understanding and inclusivity, we are not only improving the lives of elderly residents but also creating a sustainable framework for ongoing community engagement and professional development.

Design Challenge

Implementing these initiatives required overcoming significant challenges, particularly the deeply rooted stigma surrounding dementia. Many individuals held negative views of those with dementia, which hindered effective communication and care. Additionally, property management professionals often felt ill-equipped to meet the diverse needs of residents with dementia, revealing a critical knowledge gap across varying professional backgrounds. To address these challenges, we adopted a collaborative approach:

• Stakeholder Engagement: We conducted interviews and focus groups, partnering with the NGO Yan Oi Tong, which specializes in supporting dementia patients and their families. Their experienced social workers and volunteers were instrumental in co-creating the Dementia Simulation Game Kit. Their familiarity with dementia helped challenge negative perceptions and fostered creativity.

• Strategic Partnerships: For the Property Management Service Training, we collaborated with the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Property Managers to launch the program under the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Scheme. This increased enrollment incentives for property management professionals, making the training more appealing and relevant.

• Tailored Content Design: Insights from stakeholders informed our educational content, ensuring it was practical and directly applicable to the participants’ roles.

By combining empathy-driven co-creation, strategic partnerships, and tailored design, we effectively addressed the challenges of stigma and professional preparedness, equipping both professionals and community members with the necessary tools to support a dementia-friendly community.

Future Impact

The long-term impact of initiatives like the Dementia Simulation Game Kit and Property Management Training promises a transformative shift towards a truly dementia-friendly society. This transformation will benefit individuals, families, communities, and Hong Kong as a whole. Here are several key advantages:

• Individual-Centric Approach: Every individual with dementia is unique—100 people can have 100 different lives, with equally diverse symptoms and needs. The common thread is their fundamental right to live with dignity, respect, and increased independence within supportive environments.

• Support for Caregivers: Family members and caregivers of those with dementia will experience reduced stress through immediate and professional support from nearby property management services. This can lead to less stigma and a more friendly community support network, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for everyone involved.

• Community Awareness and Inclusivity: As awareness and understanding of dementia increase within the community, there will be a shift towards greater inclusivity. This change will help break down stigma and create welcoming, accessible public spaces for those affected by dementia.

• Compassionate Society: These initiatives promote a more compassionate and supportive society, where the needs of both individuals with dementia and their families are recognised and addressed.

• Equitable and Sustainable Development: Ultimately, these efforts contribute to building a more equitable and sustainable Hong Kong, one that is better equipped to meet the challenges of an aging population while ensuring the well-being of all its citizens.