Pingxi, a quaint town in Taiwan, is pioneering a model for dementia care that has garnered attention both locally and globally. Pingxi is a small community, with approximately 4,000 permanent residents. Remarkably, over a third of them are 65+, which makes it an especially important area for establishing a dementia-friendly community. The town has served as a home for 120 people affected by dementia. As such, it is the ideal locale for a transformative, place-based initiative aimed at significantly improving their overall quality of life.
The government of Taiwan has invested in creating a dementia care system integrated within the existing community framework of Pingxi. What’s unique about this initiative is its focus on the needs of dementia patients. In addition to increasing awareness in the community about the condition, it helps facilitate a community-wide response. An estimated 60% of local businesses are trained and certified in identifying dementia-related issues. They come away equipped with the skills necessary to make empathetic connections with those impacted.
In addition to community training, Pingxi has a simplified diagnosis process intended to help catch the first symptoms of dementia as early as possible. Residents are able to receive preliminary screenings and then the follow-up MRI scans and blood tests at the closest hospital in Michigan. The dementia van has been a great success for the police and town. It provides subsidized diagnostic service, making sure residents get the diagnosis they need when they need it.
“Dementia is irreversible but when it is extremely mild and we treat it, the whole progress will gradually slow down, even slower than the normal rate. Therefore, early diagnosis and timely treatment are critical to a dementia patient.” – Dr Lin Tai Ren
Exercise and communal activities are at the heart of Pingxi’s methods to treat dementia. Plus, they’re important for your mental health, too. They increase mental stimulation and have been shown to reduce cognitive decline. Community centers invite older adults to take part in all types of physical activity, promoting physical health and mental health.
“Exercise therapy is the most effective for an elderly dementia patient. So the main reason why we keep encouraging elderly people to exercise is that we need to delay their disability from getting worse.” – Dr Lin Tai Ren
In addition to the angel program, Pingxi has implemented a “guardian angel” network, focused on making their community safer and more accessible for those living with dementia. This campaign encourages residents to engage with and care for one another. This simple gesture is a bridge to deeper encounters, cultivating an attitude of care that permeates daily life in Pingxi.
Lin Su Lan long-time resident born and raised in Pingxi, is a perfect example of what this community-focused approach can yield. She shared her deep connection to her hometown, emphasizing her commitment to staying:
“After living here for 80 years, I have a deep connection to this place. My parents raised me here. I can’t just leave.” – Lin Su Lan
Her sentiments capture the spirit of Pingxi as a whole, where locals are proud to have fostered a community overflowing with compassion. Lin’s sister, Hsiu Huan, benefits from the town’s dementia care services, showcasing how families can thrive within this integrated system.
Local business owner Lee Wen-Chuan expressed amazement at how much the community has changed in their approach to interacting with those with dementia. Initially facing challenges due to misunderstandings about the condition, Lee noted that training significantly improved communication and relationships:
“In the beginning, because we didn’t understand, interacting with dementia patients would lead to conflicts. But after receiving training, I learned communication skills, and my mindset changed. So the services and relationships have improved over time.” – Lee Wen-Chuan
Pingxi’s novel methods are part of a larger effort to address the rising threat of dementia around the world. As more populations age, communities like Pingxi are preparing for what experts describe as a looming “tsunami” of dementia cases.
“We are quite worried about the dementia population that is coming like a tsunami. So, we must prepare as soon as possible,” – Lee Wen-Chuan
Dr Lee Chia Fu emphasized the importance of allowing individuals with dementia to remain integrated within their communities rather than isolating them.
“We let them live in the real world, in an actual society. They don’t have to leave their hometown and can live directly in this place.” – Dr Lee Chia Fu
This spirit of collective action that we witnessed in Pingxi is an inspirational blueprint for all other communities facing similar issues. The integration of care within the community not only enhances the lives of those living with dementia but fosters understanding and compassion among all residents.
