Finding Purpose Beyond Recovery

Mrs Ida Chiam and the care staff at our Active Ageing Centre (Care) @ Hougang.

After her kneecap replacement surgery in 2019, 84-year-old Mrs Ida Chiam was referred to St Luke’s ElderCare (SLEC) Active Ageing Centre (Care) @ Hougang to undergo rehabilitation. As she had reduced mobility and was living alone following her husband’s passing, her children were concerned about her safety at home. They encouraged her to join the day care centre to ensure she would receive appropriate supervision and care.

At first, Mrs Chiam resisted. To her, joining a care centre felt like “the end of it” – a loss of freedom and independence. Yet, after gentle persuasion from SLEC staff, she eventually decided to give it a try.

Mrs Chiam and her friends, Mdm Teo Way Keng (left) and Mdm Hoh Chee Moi (right).

What she found was far from what she feared – the centre was anything but a “trap”. Instead of feeling confined, she found herself enjoying the company and interaction with her peers. She began to build deep, supportive friendships – especially with Mdm Hoh, an elder who was often downcast and preferred to avoid interaction, sometimes skipping the centre altogether.

Becoming her cheerleader, Mrs Chiam would call to check in whenever Mdm Hoh missed a day. A former Head of Department for English, Mrs Chiam has also brought her love of learning to the centre. She is especially fond of the Rummikub game and often rallies her friends to join in. Her warmth and encouragement have inspired others – Mdm Hoh now attends regularly and has become visibly happier.

Mrs Chiam engaging in a rehabilitation session. 

Today, Mrs Chiam walks independently after completing her rehabilitation and is among the most active elders at the centre. She looks out for her peers and alerts staff whenever someone needs help – a quiet guardian in her community of friends. She also looks forward to sessions conducted by chaplains from SLEC and from other churches, for they remind her that the Lord is always with them. Each night before bed, Mrs Chiam says a small prayer for her friends at the centre, wishing them health and happiness.

Reflecting on her journey, she shares: “I have no regrets because the time spent is meaningful. I am especially happy whenever I see my peers return after being hospitalised due to fall injuries. It is important to stay healthy and stay happy. I truly appreciate all the staff at SLEC for the care you have provided so that the elders can be happy and live fulfilling lives”.

As Robert Ingersoll said, “We rise by lifting others.”  With your support, elders like Mrs Chiam not only regain their strength and independence – they go on to uplift others in the community.