Public Forum on Understanding Schizophrenia
20 November 2024, Wednesday,
4.00 - 5.30 PM, One Farrer Hotel
Join us at this public forum to learn more about the latest schizophrenia research and treatment, as well as the community resources available in supporting persons with schizophrenia.
Hear from a client/caregiver on the journey in living with schizophrenia.
Who should attend: Practitioners in healthcare/social service agencies, persons with schizophrenia and their loved ones/friends/ colleagues.
1. Reimagining Schizophrenia Care in the Community
The talk will suggest a reimagination of approach to improve Schizophrenia (and psychosis) treatment in the community to make it more inclusive, effective, and supportive. It will provide an update on current trends in Schizophrenia treatment, the importance of lateral and vertical integrations of care from tertiary to primary care, the need for better community based support services, and the utility of cultural competence and personalised care in the treatment plan for Schizophrenia.
2. Navigating Complex Needs: Enhancing Case Management Practice for Individuals with Schizophrenia
Case management in the community setting is a collaborative process that enhances individuals’ quality of life and empowers individuals’ to better manage their symptoms and strive towards their preferred goals. The process of case management includes coordination amongst formal and informal systems, effective partnership with individuals and their systems to work towards their needs and goals.
Schizophrenia is one of the serious mental illnesses as it can severely affect a person’s ability to function in daily life, including maintaining relationships, employment, and self care. The impact on cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and executive function which adds another layer of complexity. To navigate the complexity of the needs of individuals with schizophrenia, the speaker will share her insights on enhancing case management by incorporating the eight dimensions of wellness concept. The speaker will also share from her personal experiences, discussing the challenges she has faced in case management with individuals with schizophrenia and the strategies she has employed in working with them.
3. Sharing by Caregiver
Dorcas has been the main caregiver for her mother, who has schizophrenia, since she was discharged from SAMH Group Homes in year 2008. The caregiving role was not unfamiliar to her, as she had to rise up to the occasion to care for her mum as an 18 year old teenager, while also juggling her studies. Today, she is happily married and a stay at home mother, homeschooling her 5 year old son, while continuing to provide care for her mother. We will hear more from her personally as she shares about the ups and downs of her caregiving journey.