A HDB precinct in Tampines East features an infant care centre, preschool, and senior day care centre within walking distance of each other, and that is not a coincidence! Charlene Chen, MP for Tampines GRC wants to encourage more intergenerational interaction within the community.
These three facilities are all situated in the 200 series blocks of flats at Tampines Street 21. PCF Sparkle Care, which cares for the elderly, will also open a dementia bay at Block 209 later this year!
The infant care centre opened in June 2025 in a space that previously hosted Meet-the-People sessions for the Tampines East division. The facility was renovated and transformed into an infant care centre to serve young families in the area.
Dr Chen, who oversees Tampines East, told Petir that the three centres are located close to one another. Her team wants to encourage more interaction between the seniors and children.
“It’s not just about setting up the infrastructure. We work with the respective centres on programming,” she explained. “The preschoolers and seniors participate in activities together, like drawing and colouring. We want to encourage more intergenerational mingling in our community.”
In January, Dr Chen’s branch activists and PCF staff organsed a trip to the Sentosa oceanarium for seniors from the PCF Sparkle Care daycare centre and preschoolers from PCF Sparkletots in Tampines East.
Some elderly participants had mobility challenges, but her team arranged transportation so they could attend and enjoy the outing.
“Excursions like these are treats for the elderly. They don’t usually indulge and spend on these activities, but we want them to have a good quality of life and enjoy these experiences. What made this outing especially meaningful was that it was multigenerational,”Dr Chen explained.”The elderly lit up when they saw the kids. Watching our young ones interact so naturally with the elderly was incredibly moving.
Last July, Dr Chen’s team organised an exciting excursion to the new Rainforest Wild at Mandai for PCF Sparkletots’ students, parents, and teachers.
Charlene Chen: Ensuring support for residents who are dealing with dementia
Dr Chen shared that the dementia bay, which is opening soon, is thoughtfully designed.It will provide a safe, supportive space for residents with dementia and their families.
“We know that there are more residents who are dealing with dementia. We want to ensure that support is nearby,” she said.
Dr Chen, who also serves as Vice-Chairperson of Tampines Town Council, said the town council is partnering with the Agency for Integrated Care to help residents with dementia and their families.
First, they will add clearer wayfinding signs and murals to residential blocks. Second, they will establish more dementia go-to points with local merchants throughout Tampines East.
Beyond improving infrastructure, her team is raising awareness about dementia and supporting families coping with the condition.
Since Dr Chen became MP, PAP Tampines GRC Women’s Wing has organised two dementia-related seminars, one in July and another in November last year. The first session helped residents recognise dementia symptoms, understand risk factors, and learn practical steps to reduce their risk. The second session addressed common myths and facts about dementia.
“A resident shared how her mother, who has dementia, often refused to change clothes. Her mother would accuse her of stealing when she tried to wash them. Rather than arguing, the resident bought multiple sets of identical outfits. Her mother could then change into clean clothes,” she said.
“Through such sessions, caregivers can exchange life hacks. We want to build this care community and peer-to-peer support.”
The three facilities are located at the following blocks:
- PCF Sparkletots Preschool @ Tampines East (Block 205)
- PCF Sparkle Care @ Tampines East integrated senior care centre (Block 203)
- PCF Sparkletots infant care centre (Block 209)
