$4.48m initiative to support Parkinson’s rehabilitation in Singapore

KEEP is currently available at five day rehabilitation centres – three at NTUC Health, one at St Luke’s Hospital and one at PSS.

By 2027, it will be progressively rolled out across eight more day rehabilitation centres operated by six community care providers in Singapore, including NTUC Health, AWWA, Care Corner, St Luke’s and PSS.

Lien Foundation and the organisations behind KEEP want to help redefine what living well with PD can look like, said Lien Foundation chief executive Lee Poh Wah at the PSS centre in Bishan, where the launch was held.

“Imagine living in a body that gradually stops obeying us… Early and sustained rehab is the first line of defence but under-recognised,” he said.

PD affects three in every 1,000 people aged 50 and above in Singapore. In 2026, it is estimated that more than 10,000 people here are living with PD, given Singapore’s ageing population.

Medicine is essential for the multi-domain PD. So is regular physical activity, which is associated with better mobility, greater independence in daily activities and a slower decline in balance and walking ability over time, said clinical associate professor Tay Kay Yaw, head and senior consultant at NNI’s Regional Department of Neurology (North).

But many who have PD, held back by their symptoms, struggle to keep active on their own.

It is not just about knowing what exercises are safe to do, but also how much is enough. “Is sweeping the floor and going to the FairPrice supermarket enough?” Tay said.

KEEP was designed by a multidisciplinary team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, medical social workers, and PD movement disorder specialists from NNI and TTSH.

It includes 24 sessions of hour-long group rehabilitation to improve fitness and address movement challenges, as well as occupational therapy and physiotherapy sessions to help them maintain independence in daily activities, prevent falls, and stay engaged in their homes and communities.

As PD warriors, as those with PD are called, are prone to depression, KEEP also offers three weeks of cognitive rehabilitation training following mental health screening, assessment and intervention for psychological and depressive symptoms. 

Caregivers are also included. They will get six sessions of caregiver training to better understand PD and how to adjust their daily routines and expectations.

PSS will serve as the master trainer and primary training site for community partners in the enhancement of rehabilitation standards. A second centre will be launched, with $1.2 million from Lien Foundation’s investment of $4.48 million set aside for it.