Caption: THC's Senior Care Associate (SCA) Ms Aye Aye Thin (right) trimming Mdm Khoo's (left) nails
 
When Mr Patrick Tay, 57, had to move in to care for his 95-year-old mother Mdm Khoo Jew Kim four years ago, he felt anxious. Mdm Khoo used to be able to walk short distances with the aid of a walking frame at home. However, a bad fall in 2012 made her fully dependent on her wheelchair and needing help in daily activities, such as showering, going to the toilet and dressing herself. After a month stay in the hospital, Mdm Khoo was discharged but her condition deteriorated and she was referred to TOUCH Home Care (THC) in 2013.

Mdm Khoo’s husband passed on some 50 years ago. She raised her four children working as a seamstress and washing clothes for others. Despite her advanced age, Mdm Khoo does not suffer from any major chronic health ailments except for high blood pressure, diabetes and dementia. She continues to enjoys the strong love and support from her other children who live nearby.

Caption: Mdm Khoo (middle) posing with her son, Mr Tay (left) and THC's SCA Ms Aye Aye Thin (right)

“I remember how my mother used to enjoy doing marketing at the Ghim Moh market where we lived. She likes the outdoors and prefers to be cared for at home. My siblings and I love our mother very much. Since I am not working, I decided to do my part by moving in to help look after her,” said Mr Tay who used to work as a machine operator and a shopkeeper.

Before Mr Tay became her primary caregiver, a domestic helper who stayed for only a short while was looking after her. Her daughter used to visit Mdm Khoo daily after work to shower her while Mr Tay takes care of her meals and keeps the place clean. However, after her health weakened, she could only shower her mother during the weekends.

Mr Tay is grateful and relieved to receive support from THC. THC provides Mdm Khoo with personal hygiene services, which includes showering and trimming her nails. She is also supported by THC’s nurse who visits her weekly to monitor her vital signs by checking her blood glucose and blood pressure to provide timely treatment.

Over time, Mdm Khoo became familiar with THC’s aides and always receives them with a big smile. As she likes to keep herself clean, she looks forward to her daily showering sessions. As Mdm Khoo’s dementia worsened especially in the past year, THC’s senior care associate would sometimes spend an hour trying to coax her to shower as she would insist she had already done so. To slow down Mdm Khoo’s memory loss, THC’s occupational therapist prescribed cognitive activities to help stimulate her mind.

“I know my mother is in good hands. The home care team understands her condition and will give us good advice. My siblings and I are grateful for their help in watching over her. I can see that my mother is happy as she feels clean and comfortable. This means a lot to my family,” added Mr Tay.