From Despair to Delight

Mdm Cindy Low, an elder at SLEC Senior Care Centre @ Hougang, with SLEC staff Judi Ong and Lilian Ngiam.

Mdm Cindy Low, 82, began working at a publishing house at just 15 years old – not out of ambition, but necessity. At 21, after saving enough to buy a flat for herself and her mother – who depended solely on each other – tragedy struck. Her mother suffered a fatal fall and passed away. Suddenly, Mdm Low not only had to forfeit the flat she worked so hard for but also faced the painful reality of being an orphan.

Although her uncle offered to take her in, Mdm Low could not bear to add to the burden of a household already caring for nine children. Instead, she chose to work and support herself, remaining single to this day.

A once-active Tai Chi enthusiast and a familiar face in her neighbourhood, Mdm Low was forced indoors during the COVID pandemic in 2020. Reduced physical activity led to muscle loss, causing her to sway from side to side with every step she took. In late December 2024, Mdm Low suffered two falls at home. It was then that she sought medical help and was referred to St Luke’s ElderCare (SLEC) Senior Care Centre @ Hougang for rehabilitation and social support.

In late January 2025, Mdm Low met Ching Hong, Centre Manager at SLEC Senior Care Centre @ Hougang. “When we met, she was clearly despondent. There was no smile on her face. After our hour-long conversation, she told me that it was the longest interaction she’d had in a very long time,” he recalled.

With gentle encouragement from Ching Hong, Mdm Low joined the centre in February 2025. “I wanted to give her hope that there are still people who care. Here, she could be looked after, have regular meals, and mingle with others,” he shared.

Lilian Ngiam, a senior care staff, was among the first people Mdm Low met on her first day. By mid-morning, she had already warmed up to fellow elders and staff, laughing heartily. “Mdm Low is very genuine and she opens up easily. To me, she is a close friend and dear sister. She always jokes that I love her the most among all the elders!” Lilian said.

Ching Hong noticed a striking change in Mdm Low’s demeanour: “She just lit up! We saw the switch. She became very happy.” Echoing this, Mdm Low said, “When I first joined, the staff cracked jokes and made me laugh. It was a laughter that came from deep in my heart. I felt I could truly be myself here.”

This year, Mdm Low will celebrate Chinese New Year with her newfound family at SLEC for the first time. What was once a quiet, solitary occasion is now a joyful celebration – one of many she looks forward to – surrounded by people who love and care for her.

Be part of their journey by supporting elders like Mdm Low as they find a place to belong, be themselves and rediscover the strength to believe that they are not alone.