Mr Lim The Leng suffered a stroke in 2012, leaving his muscles weakened on the left side of his body, affecting his ability to move around. When Mr Lim was discharged from the Ang Mo Kio Community Hospital in July 2016, doctors were concerned about his ability to care for himself as he was vulnerable to falls due to his weakened physical condition. In addition, his cluttered home environment posed a danger for him to move around at home with a walking frame.
Mr Lim was referred to TOUCH Home Care (THC) in July 2016. After a detailed home assessment and discussion with Mr Lim, TOUCH’s occupational therapist recommended home care services to help Mr Lim keep his home clean, receive nutritious meals daily, pack and monitor medication intake, and provide support to accompany him for medical appointments. Mr Lim also received physiotherapy where he was taught strengthening exercises to help him walk and move around safely in the neighbourhood.
Mr Lim’s limited vision and poor muscle coordination also caused his medical pills to be dislodged from his hands unknowingly. TOUCH’s physiotherapist and occupational therapist explored solutions for Mr Lim, such as pouring the pills into a bowl, to ensure that none would accidentally drop out.
The physiotherapist also helped Mr Lim to walk and balance himself independently as he navigates around his estate safely. On one trip around his neighbourhood, Mr Lim broke into a smile as he saw some children playing happily at the playground.
He remarked, “I will take things one step at a time. I want my legs to be stronger so that I can easily make my way to the coffeeshop for coffee.”
TOUCH Home Care serves more than 1,700 seniors living in the Ang Mo Kio, Jurong and Toa Payoh regions. Through its range of services including home social, home medical, nursing and rehabilitation services, it enables frail and homebound seniors to age with dignity in the familiar surroundings of their home and community.