Caption: The THC team with Mr Tan (second from right) and Mdm Woo (front row) at home.
“I will take things one step at a time. If my wife can go out and breathe some fresh air, that’s good enough for me. There’s no point in worrying too much. My wife and I will try to support each other with TOUCH’s help."
…Mr Poon Fook Chong
Mdm Woo Sau Yeng, 77, used to cook meals for her husband and son every day. Working as a cleaner then, her schedule was packed with household chores and cooking. Mdm Woo would also spend her weekends with her husband, Mr Poon Fook Chong, 83, running errands and buying groceries in the neighbourhood. During their free time, the couple enjoy going for walks and shopping at a nearby mall. Mdm Woo was also the primary caregiver to her son, a wheelchair user who suffers from a neurological disorder.
Little did Mdm Woo realise that a severe leg infection in 2019 would significantly impact her health and mobility. It all started when she went for her knee replacement surgeries some ten years ago. She grew weaker and had multiple hospital admissions. As Mdm Woo’s condition did not improve, she had to leave her job as an office cleaner.
Caption: Supporting each other to age well at home
Mr Poon, who was then working as a cleaner, had to retire to become his wife’s caregiver. It was a stressful period for him as he had to also care for his son. He was also worried about financial issues and wanted to return to work as soon as he could. There were times he felt overwhelmed and helpless.
Alleviating caregiver stress
Thankfully, Mdm Woo was referred to TOUCH Home Care (THC) 2020 by a community social worker to further support her at home. THC’s nurse taught Mr Poon how to take care of Mdm Woo’s urine catheter and to change her urinary bag to prevent infection. A physiotherapist also worked with Mdm Woo to strengthen her leg muscles. She also received help in housekeeping and transport for medical appointments.
After some improvement, Mdm Woo was taught how to use a walking frame to move around safely in her neighbourhood. Soon, she was able to step out of her home to go to the void deck for short walks together with her husband.
Caption: Caption: Senior care associate Renthlei (right) assisting Mdm Woo (left) in changing bedsheets to alleviate caregiver stress
Caption: Physiotherapist Ms Yap May Yee (left) enjoys building rapport with Mdm Woo (right)
Caption: THC's suite of services have enabled the elderly to enjoy a better quality of life
With encouragement from the THC team, Mr Poon now feels more confident in taking care of Mdm Woo. He would approach them to explore solutions together if he encountered any issues.
Mr Poon is glad to receive practical help at home. “I will take things one step at a time. If my wife can go out and breathe some fresh air, that’s good enough for me. There’s no point in worrying too much. My wife and I will try to support each other with TOUCH’s help” said Mr Poon.
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