Mdm Jeyalakshumi (Mdm J), 75, is the main caregiver of her mother, Mrs Kathiramalay (Mdm K), 91. Both of them did not live together initially. Mrs K resided with a helper and Mdm J lived alone. Despite this, Mdm J visited her mother on a weekly basis to assist with her daily needs, as well as accompany Mrs K to her medical appointments.
In 2020, Mrs K’s health deteriorated significantly and she was regularly hospitalised. She lost close to 25kg and later sustained a fall in 2021 which left her bedridden. Doctors later told Mdm J to be prepared for the worst.
The doctors may not have been optimistic about Mrs K’s condition, but as her daughter and main caregiver, Mdm J refused to let her go. She held onto the belief that there was still a possibility her mother would get better over time and did her best to make sure of that. And as Mdm K was not keen on going to a nursing home, though it was suggested by the healthcare professionals, Mdm J decided that Mdm K could live with her.
Following Mrs K’s discharge from the hospital, Mdm J enrolled her mother for NTUC Health’s Home Therapy sessions. Exercises were tailored to her mother’s condition to help keep her muscles active. After about a year of home therapy, Mrs K has now regained her ability to walk with a walking frame and take slow steps.
Apart from mobility issues, Mrs K also has dementia. She requires support with her personal hygiene and meal reminders. These are taken care of by Mrs K’s helper and the care staff from NTUC Health’s Home Personal Care team when they visit twice a week. Mdm J also plays a role in supporting her mother; she would make an effort to be around whenever Mdm K has her Home Care sessions.
“My mother has dementia and it can sometimes become difficult to manage. I do feel stressed, but with the help of a domestic helper and NTUC Health Home Care staff coming in twice a week, I am pulling through.”
Mdm Jeyalakshumi (Mdm J), 75, is the main caregiver of her mother, Mrs Kathiramalay (Mdm K), 91. Both of them did not live together initially. Mrs K resided with a helper and Mdm J lived alone. Despite this, Mdm J visited her mother on a weekly basis to assist with her daily needs, as well as accompany Mrs K to her medical appointments.
In 2020, Mrs K’s health deteriorated significantly and she was regularly hospitalised. She lost close to 25kg and later sustained a fall in 2021 which left her bedridden. Doctors later told Mdm J to be prepared for the worst.
The doctors may not have been optimistic about Mrs K’s condition, but as her daughter and main caregiver, Mdm J refused to let her go. She held onto the belief that there was still a possibility her mother would get better over time and did her best to make sure of that. And as Mdm K was not keen on going to a nursing home, though it was suggested by the healthcare professionals, Mdm J decided that Mdm K could live with her.
Following Mrs K’s discharge from the hospital, Mdm J enrolled her mother for NTUC Health’s Home Therapy sessions. Exercises were tailored to her mother’s condition to help keep her muscles active. After about a year of home therapy, Mrs K has now regained her ability to walk with a walking frame and take slow steps.
Apart from mobility issues, Mrs K also has dementia. She requires support with her personal hygiene and meal reminders. These are taken care of by Mrs K’s helper and the care staff from NTUC Health’s Home Personal Care team when they visit twice a week. Mdm J also plays a role in supporting her mother; she would make an effort to be around whenever Mdm K has her Home Care sessions.
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