The National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) and Temasek Foundation are piloting a new programme to improve the physical, mental and social well-being of stroke survivors and their caregivers – the Temasek Foundation Re-Integration for Stroke community Endeavour (RISE) Programme.
Stroke is common, with 1 in 4 persons likely to suffer from it in their lifetime[1]. With Singapore's rapidly ageing population, the incidence of stroke will rise. The Temasek Foundation RISE Programme seeks to enhance support for stroke survivors, who may have high risk of a recurrent stroke and other complications, as well as their caregivers. Through the programme, survivors will be able to get help to better manage their condition, adopt healthier lifestyle changes, recover at home and re-integrate into the community.
Mr Kee Kirk Chuen, Head, Health & Well-being, Temasek Foundation, said, “The journey after a stroke is challenging, not just for survivors but also for their caregivers. Temasek Foundation RISE Programme takes a holistic approach to foster a community of care, to ensure that no one faces this journey alone – combining medical care, emotional resilience, and strong community networks. Equally important is prevention. Through education and early intervention, we aim to reduce the impact of strokes and promote healthier lifestyles.”
To be piloted at Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), the Temasek Foundation RISE Programme includes the following key components:
1) A Stroke Liaison Officer (SLO) programme, to support mild and moderate stroke patients on their discharge from the two hospitals. Serving as a single point of contact, the SLOs will follow up with an individualised care plan for stroke survivors, coordinate with other community services for stroke survivors and escalate cases to medical team if needed.
They will screen for and address common post-stroke issues and complications such as muscle stiffness, depression, anxiety and memory issues, and advise on medication compliance. They will also advise on healthy lifestyle changes to help survivors manage their risk factors, prevent another stroke and to support their adjustment to life after stroke in the community.
2) A structured Stroke Caregiver Training programme, designed to meet the specific needs of caregivers of stroke survivors, including self-care for the caregivers. SLOs can refer caregivers to the training programme, which is being developed and will be run in collaboration with the Singapore National Stroke Association (SNSA) and Stroke Support Station (S3).
SNSA and S3 will leverage their volunteers, venues and wealth of experience in supporting stroke survivors and their caregivers, to deliver this programme in-person as well as through an e-learning platform.
3) STroke Empowerment Programme (STEP), to help stroke survivors take charge of their recovery and improve the function and quality of life. A four-module programme will be developed to share stroke recurrence prevention knowledge, impart self-management skills, as well as build confidence in their recovery process and re-integration into the community.
“Stroke is like a tsunami: it strikes suddenly and leaves a long-lasting impact. Stroke survivors are unprepared and often struggle to cope with the consequences which change their own lives and that of their families. The Temasek Foundation RISE Programme will support stroke survivors and their caregivers with these challenges and life transitions, so they can live their best lives after stroke,” said Associate Professor Deidre Anne De Silva, Senior Consultant, Department of Neurology, NNI and Temasek Foundation RISE Programme Lead.
Temasek Foundation will commit close to $1.4 million for the three-year pilot, which will support up to 1,000 patients with mild to moderate stroke and their caregivers. The programme is expected to be rolled out in 2025.
NNI will assess programme outcomes by 2027 before deciding on whether to scale this model of care to more hospitals as well as adapt it to benefit patients with other neurological conditions.