The National Museum of Singapore (NMS) is committed to supporting the health and well-being of seniors, including persons living with dementia, through meaningful and engaging programmes and resources that are based on the museum’s collection and galleries. During this circuit breaker, NMS is happy to share the following digital resources and content for caregivers to use and keep seniors living with dementia engaged.
1. Moving Memories Resource Kit*
Seniors can now enjoy the museum’s Moving Memories installation online, anywhere, and anytime. Accompanying this is a newly-launched Moving Memories Resource Kit that includes an activity guide and a suggested hands-on activity.
2. Resources based on the NMS’ William Farquhar Collection of National History Drawings
Seniors can use simple dot painting techniques to create masterpieces from the craft templates developed from the museum’s William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings. This set also includes conversation prompts for seniors and their families/care partners to share more about their memories and experiences of using these edible plants to create delicious dishes. Download this set from the museum’s website.
3. Fruitful Encounters: A Guide for Engaging Seniors on the William Farquhar Collection of National History Drawings* Seniors will be introduced to a small selection of fruits featured in the museum’s William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings through a multi-sensorial approach and a fruit-based hands-on activity.
4. Moving Memories Colouring Activity*
This is another activity based on our Moving Memories installation. Seniors can now create their own mural-inspired art pieces and enjoy a conversation with loved ones and friends as they explore familiar heritage scenes and sights. Choose from seven mural scenes created by Yip Yew Chong from the Moving Memories installation and gather colouring materials to get started. One colouring template will be made available for download online every Friday at 10 am from 15 May 2020 onwards. Visit our NMS senior programmes webpage for more information.
*This activity is suitable for senior organisations or caregivers of persons with dementia to adapt and engage seniors in hands-on activity and conversations too.
5. “Get Curious: My Family’s Stories” Kit
This kit is designed as an intergenerational resource for families (including young children, grandparents and extended families who may or may not be living together in the same household) to:
Facilitate inter-generational conversations and sharing of stories;
Learn more about their family’s identity and heritage; and
Connect over shared experiences and new discoveries about each other
This kit comprises i) step-by-step preparation guide, and ii) topics with images and suggested questions for families to initiate a conversation with one another. Please refer to the EDM for more information about the kit or check out our #MuseumfromHome: Get Curious! webpage to download the kit. Families are encouraged to share some of their family’s stories with us and stand a chance to be featured in our upcoming exhibition, Home, Truly: Growing Up with Singapore, 1950s to the Present! Entries will have to be submitted to us via this link by 1 June 2020.
*Please email nhb_nm_programmes@nhb.gov.sg if you would like to request for the above resources.
