Not your usual activity centre - Active Global @ Ghim Moh Edge
Opened in November 2018, Active Global @ Ghim Moh Edge is a new and fully-equipped Senior Care Centre (SCC) with an adjoining Active Ageing Hub (AAH) that offers programmes to engage the seniors.
What's in the Active Ageing Hub (AAH)?
The air-conditioned AAH has the conveniences of modern living. With a large television screen, seniors can get to enjoy various types of entertainment, including playing Wii games, singing karaoke and viewing of television programmes. There is also a pantry, an area for activities, and even a gym (which charges a $2 nominal usage fee for those above 40, and $6 for those below 40).
Beyond the well-equipped facilities, Active Global has partnered with the Health Promotion Board to offer free talks and activities throughout the week. Some of these activities range from workouts such as zumba and yoga to cooking demonstrations, board games, mahjong and Rummikub.
Senior volunteers are roped in to lead some of these activities. Madam Tan Jiong, 77, who teaches craft work says: "I enjoy sharing and teaching my knowledge of craft work with everyone, doing the crafts together, and of course, making new friends!"
What's in the Senior Care Centre (SCC)?
Open seven days a week, the SCC offers professional day-care services for seniors, meaningful activities for seniors with dementia, as well as community rehabilitation and nursing services for up to 80 clients.
On occasion, the SCC also partners nearby educational institutions to organise activities for the seniors as part of its inter-generational programme. The children can be as young as five-year-olds from PAP Community Foundation, to teens from the nearby Singapore Polytechnic, Tembusu College and Anglo-Chinese School (Independent).
In February 2019, the Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) held a singing and dancing session with the seniors.
Centre Manager Moses Goh explains, "We coordinate these inter-generational activities as a means for both the young and old to learn and grow together. For the young, it helps instil respect for the elderly, grow their social circle beyond just their peers, and cover a void for children who do not have grandparents. For the seniors, they learn how to navigate new technologies from the youngsters, while sharing life experiences with them."
There are lots to do in the games room
One of the highlights of the SCC is the games room. Seniors can take part in one of the varied activities, which include card, puzzle and board games, mahjong, and even an arcade-style fishing machine. If they are tired, they can pick from the many reclining armchairs for a nap.
Madam Juay Lee Kheng, 74, loves to spend time here, "I enjoy the games room because it is fun. My favourites are mahjong (because it brings back memories) and the fishing machine where I can aim to score high points."
Wait, there's a hydrotherapy tub too?
A recent addition to the centre is a heated, computer-controlled 10-jet walk-in hydrotherapy tub. Designed with seniors' safety in mind, the tub has anti-slip pads and handrails for comfortable and safe use. The walk-in tub also removes the danger that sliding shower doors pose to seniors.
Centre Manager Moses Goh shares the reason behind installing the hydrotherapy tub. "Water therapy massage is an excellent way of easing joint and muscle pain, and the massage intensity can be uniquely tailored to each client. Massage is an excellent way to improve the flow of blood and lymph, crucial for elderly people who have poor circulation."
Where can I get more information?
Active Global @ Ghim Moh Edgeis open seven days a week, with pick-up and drop-off services for seniors. Its opening hours are from 7am till 8pm on weekdays and 9am till 5pm for weekends and public holidays. For more information, pls visit www.activeglobalcaregiver.sg or call 6-536 0086.
