Caption: Yu Qing has found new friendships at TOUCHpoint@AMK 433
“TOUCH has opened new opportunities for my family. We did not expect Yu Qing to respond so well to the activities. She used to avoid talking to people. Now, she has made new friends and picked up useful skills...”
…Mr Goh Jiok Chuan, Yu Qing's brother
When TOUCH staff Mdm Tracy Lee and Ms Sherlin Chan visited Mr Goh Boon Eng three years ago, they noticed his daughter, Ms Goh Jiok Hiem or Yu Qing, hiding in her room. Mr Goh, who was in his 80s, was suffering from chronic illnesses. His 50-year-old daughter would keep to herself most of the time, avoiding eye contact with others.
After Mr Goh passed on two years ago, his befriender Mdm Chery Chew, together with TOUCH staff Mdm Tracy Lee, reached out to Yu Qing to persuade her to to join the activities at TOUCHpoint@AMK 433 located downstairs. However, Yu Qing’s monosyllabic response made it hard for anyone to interact with her. Instead of giving up, they approached Yu Qing’s elder brother, Mr Goh Jiok Chuan, who lives elsewhere, to encourage Yu Qing to drop by the centre.
Taking the first step
It was a good start for Yu Qing when she attended her first Christmas event. Although she was quiet most of the time, she did not mind being in the company of fellow residents. When her block was scheduled for the Home Improvement Programme, TOUCH staff took the opportunity to invite Yu Qing and her mother downstairs to rest and participate in the activities. They also encouraged Yu Qing to take a short walk around the block after her colouring session to keep fit.
Soon, Yu Qing became familiar with her walk routine and increased her rounds. She also started joining small group activities like Calligraphy and craft sessions, and exercised together with the residents
Caption: Yu Qing (left) at a cooking session with TOUCH staff Tracy (pre-pandemic)
Caption: Yu Qing (front) learning to paint her lantern at TOUCHpoint@AMK 433
Caption: Yu Qing mastering her calligraphy strokes
Caption: Learning digital skills at TOUCHpoint@AMK 433
“It was a breakthrough to see Yu Qing finally coming downstairs. From hiding at home, she now looks forward to coming to TOUCHpoint@AMK 433 every day. Thankfully, we could build on her trust and friendship with residents to achieve more,” said TOUCH staff Tracy, who has been working closely with the family.
Yu Qing also learnt how to cook simple dishes. Gaining in confidence, she went on to learn digital skills. TOUCH staff helped to apply for full handphone subsidy and taught her how to use TraceTogether and Zoom. Yu Qing also learnt how to view videos on YouTube at TOUCHpoint@AMK 433 using the Silver Pad funded by the Majurity Trust Fund to keep seniors socially engaged and mentally well. As a first time handphone user, Yu Qing was not afraid to ask questions and seek help. Yu Qing is also currently receiving support from the Community Resource, Engagement and Support Team (CREST), TOUCH’s community outreach team.
“I am grateful to TOUCH and the residents for helping my sister. TOUCH has opened new opportunities for my family. We did not expect Yu Qing to respond so well to the activities. She used to avoid talking to people. Now, she has made new friends and picked up useful skills. She can even operate our smart TV better than me! I am happy to see her more confident and independent,” said Mr Goh Jiok Chuan, Yu Qing's brother.