Whipping up community support to age in place

"I'm thankful that TOUCH has helped me through a difficult period of my life. I hope to become better and more independent so that I can volunteer and give back to society."

When 63-year-old Mr Lim Yeow Tuck suffered from a stroke some 10 years ago, his life was never the same. He now experiences weakness in the right side of his body and has a poor sense of balance, causing him to rely on a walking stick at home and a mobility scooter to move around outside. With the help of his late wife, Mr Lim was still managing fine until she passed on a few years ago and he struggled to cope.  

“I'm not able to move around much at home because my body is not the same after the stroke. I cannot do all the household chores and I feel helpless on my own,” shares Mr Lim, who had a close relationship with his wife.  

Caption: Mr Lim with Ms Stella Quan, Home Personal Care Supervisor

When Mr Lim became a client of TOUCH Home Care (THC) in October 2021, his home was cluttered and infested with bed bugs as he was unable to do basic housekeeping. With THC's help, Mr Lim's home was fumigated, and he now receives regular housekeeping once a week to keep his house clean. Due to mobility issues, Mr Lim also receives his meals under the Meals-On-Wheels (MOW) programme and is accompanied by a THC staff from the Medical Escort and Transport (MET) service for his medical appointments. 

Caption: Mr Lim getting help from MET staff for his medical appointments.

In May 2023, Mr Lim was excited to receive a new bed, sofa and other furniture items under the #LoveOurSeniors Home Improvement Project supported by CapitaLand Hope Foundation (CHF). CHF also rallied CapitaLand staff volunteers to clean and declutter the unit, making it safer and more conducive for living. “I am so happy to see my home looking so new and clean! I feel more comfortable now with my new furniture. It's nice to know that there are people who still care for seniors like me. I really appreciate the kindness of the volunteers,” shares Mr Lim. 

Getting Stronger to Give Back

Mr Lim spent most of his working years as a chef. He started out as a chef in an army camp in his 20s, before moving on to work in Shangri-La Hotel, where he was responsible for curating meals.  

In his later years, Mr Lim's love for food and cooking brought him to manage a canteen in Jurong Island while working part-time as a chef trainer, before he opened a chicken rice stall at a food court in Boon Lay.  

“I feel happy when I see people enjoying my food. There's a lot of planning and creativity needed when coming up with new recipes, and I get a sense of satisfaction when I see them appreciate the fruits of my hard work!” shares Mr Lim. 

Despite retiring after his stroke, Mr Lim hopes to teach prison inmates how to cook to give them a chance when they come out to work. He shares, “I'm thankful that TOUCH has helped me through a difficult period of my life. I hope to become better and more independent so that I can volunteer and give back to society!”  

Story published in 2023