Caption: Mr Pang and Mdm Ai Hua ageing well at home with HPC+
“I felt so stressed initially. It’s not easy to wheel my husband for his dialysis appointments especially when it rains. When I heard about this new service I was overjoyed. Now, I have some help and it makes a big difference!”
For the past twenty years, Mdm Ai Hua, 73, has been sole caregiver of her husband, Mr Pang Kah Seng, who is in poor health. The 87-year-old retired security guard suffers from kidney issues requiring dialysis twice a week and needs constant care. This is in addition to a host of chronic illnesses including diabetes, high blood pressure, hypertension and heart disease. The couple lives in a two-room flat in Yishun and has no children.
Providing round the clock care prevents Mdm Ai Hua from working part time and the couple, who has been married for 50 years, lives on their savings to get by.
Mr Pang’s condition worsened after he suffered a fall in 2023 which caused him to have mobility issues. He needed more support at home after his discharge from the hospital.
“When my husband fell and hit his head, I had a fright. But I don’t feel safe leaving him alone at home. If I don’t help him, he will end up in a nursing home. Although we don’t talk about this, I know how he feels,” says Mdm Ai Hua.
A good break
Thankfully, things took a positive turn after Mr Pang was enrolled in a pilot programme – the enhanced Home Personal Care (HPC+) service – by the Ministry of Health and funded by the Tote Board Community Health Fund. Upon his discharge from the hospital, the couple was referred to this new service by a hospital social worker.
“I felt so stressed initially. It’s not easy to wheel my husband for his dialysis appointments especially when it rains. When I heard about this new service I was overjoyed. Now, I have some help and it makes a big difference!” says Mdm Ai Hua.
Caption: TOUCH’s HPC+ staff preparing food for Mr Pang
Under HPC+, TOUCH Home Care (THC) cares for Mr Pang four hours a day while Mdm Ai Hua works as a part-time office cleaner, enabling her to earn some income. As Mr Pang needs assistance using his wheelchair, THC’s senior care associate wheels him for his dialysis twice a week. While Mdm Ai Hua works, Mr Pang also has his meals taken care of and receives help with his toileting needs.
Caption: Mr Pang (left) receiving help at home while Mdm Ai Hua works
Caption: Spending quality time at home
Caption: With HPC+, Mr Pang is able to receive help going for his dialysis
Caption: HPC+ is a welcome relief to caregivers like Mdm Ai Hua
“Now, I feel more assured because there’s someone reliable watching over my husband. This service is good and the staff are friendly. It really helps caregivers like me. Although I don’t work on Saturdays, I still requested for this service as it allows me to catch up on my personal errands and have some time for myself. I can also use the time to earn some money so I can have some savings,” adds Mdm Ai Hua.
Story published in 2024