Parkinson Society Singapore

Background

With effect from 18th February 2014, Parkinson's Disease Society (Singapore) has been renamed to Parkinson Society Singapore. The drop of the word “disease” was to eradicate the negative stigmatism of the condition and in keeping with the latest naming nomenclature for medical eponyms.

Parkinson Society Singapore (PSS) was formed on 16 December 1996 by a group of doctors and caregivers to help people living with Parkinson. The society was registered as a charity on 28 January 2000 and is a member of National Council of Social Service (NCSS).

Since then, the Society has organized a number of programmes including annual public forums, therapeutic exercise programmes and social and recreational activities, aimed at improving the lives of People with Parkinson (PwP).

The Society also works closely with support groups in various hospitals and publishes newsletters and books to raise the awareness of Parkinson. In Singapore, three out of every 1000 individuals aged 50 years and above have Parkinson. The number of PwP is expected to go up in our rapidly ageing population.

The Parkinson Centre

Singapore’s first community-based Parkinson Centre provides PwP and their caregivers with the much needed support beyond those provided in hospitals. Located within minutes from Bishan Bus Interchange and MRT station, the Centre is easily accessible by public transport. It is located at the void deck of HDB block 191 Bishan Street 13.

A wide range of specially customized programmes that cater to the various needs of PwP and related disorders have been developed.

These include:
- Movement Training (Moving Well with Parkinson - Physiotherapy Exercise, Dance Therapy, Yoga, Tai Chi)
- Voice Training (Do Re Mi, Karaoke Sessions)
- Dexterity Training (Art & Craft, Chinese Calligraphy, Enabling Music)
- Cognitive Training (Max Mind)
- Psychosocial Support (Life in Balance - Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)

Community Outreach & Caregiver Support- Besides providing counselling for caregivers and people with Parkinson, the Centre provides training for caregivers and community care through Community Care Partners Programmes (CCPP) and Caregivers’ Workshops.

Public Education- The Centre serves as a resource base where public education programmes, talks and forums as well as resource materials on Parkinson are available.

Support Groups- The Centre provides information and access to the various support groups organized by the hospitals. An exclusive support group entitled the Youthful Parkinson Circle (YPC) is open to PSS members who were diagnosed with Parkinson before age 60. The YPC meets quarterly at the Centre, facilitated by volunteers of PSS.

Mission of PSS

To promote awareness and understanding of Parkinson and related disorders by educating patients, caregivers and their communities, and by supporting them holistically in their journey with Parkinson.

Objectives