Planning Ahead for Peace of Mind

For Fong Yee, 55, planning for the future was an important issue when she was caring for her 83-year-old mother, who lives with dementia. Watching her mother’s condition change over time prompted her to think more deeply about her own future care needs.

She began asking herself an important question: if she could no longer make decisions for herself one day, who would understand her wishes and act in her best interests?

Fong Yee has a close relationship with her family, including her siblings. Like many people, she first considered appointing a family member as her donee under the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). However, she had her reservations.

Her siblings are close to her in age and may face their own health challenges or commitments in the future. She also recognised that even family members who care deeply for her may not know every detail about her personal preferences, healthcare wishes and daily needs.

“People may think their family knows them best, but that may not always be so,” says Fong Yee. “There are many small details that matter, such as my treatment preferences, lifestyle choices, the type of food I enjoy, and the things that bring me comfort. These are details that may not always come up in everyday conversations with loved ones.”

Avoiding uncertainty and safeguarding one’s wishes

“Needs and circumstances can change over time,” says Fong Yee, adding that having regular reviews helps ensure that one’s wishes remain relevant and can be updated when needed.

This led Fong Yee to appoint TOUCH Professional Deputies and Donees (PDD) as her professional donee. 

Caption: Fong Yee (left) having a discission with Professional Donee Ms Christine Ong (right)

“I feel that I am in safe hands,” says Fong Yee. “TOUCH takes time to understand what matters to me, and the yearly reviews give me confidence that my wishes can be updated as my needs change.”

Providing service continuity through TOUCH Professional Deputies & Donees

Another key consideration for Fong Yee was continuity. Instead of relying on one individual who may become unavailable in the future, she found reassurance in TOUCH’s PDD team, where a replacement donee is also appointed to ensure continued support.

Caption: TOUCH’s PDD was set up to manage the affairs of individuals who lack mental capacity

Ms Julia Lee, Senior Director, TOUCH Professional Deputies and Donees, says, “Our team is committed to safeguarding the welfare, dignity and wishes of individuals who may not have a suitable person to act on their behalf. We take time to understand each client holistically so that decisions are guided by care, professionalism and respect for what matters most to them.”

“This topic should not be taboo,” Fong Yee says. “Putting an LPA in place is about protecting your future self and making sure your wishes are known.

”She hopes more people will start these conversations earlier. By planning ahead, individuals can make informed decisions about who they trust to support them when they need it most.

For more enquiries, please call 9653 1076 or email enquirypdd@touch.org.sg. 

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TOUCH Professional Deputies & Donees (TPDD) was set up in 2019, following the launch of the PDD scheme by the Ministry of Social and Family Development in 2018. TPDD is part of TOUCH Family Services’ efforts to build enabled communities and strengthen family relationships. Leveraging its decades of community service, including serving the elderly and people with special needs, individuals can be assured of reliability and service continuity. TPDD has a pool of professionals certified and registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). Individuals, who want to make a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) and do not have a suitable Donee or replacement Donee, are now given the option to appoint a Professional Donee under TOUCH to manage their Personal Welfare, Property & Affairs, or both, when they lose mental capacity. TOUCH also partners with Trust companies, with TOUCH managing the personal welfare, while the Trust companies manage Property & Affairs for those with significant assets.  

Story published in 2026