Sixty-one-year-old Lim Juie Siang has no income and struggles to make ends meet. The former cleaner at a junior college used to be a sole breadwinner till he had to call it quits after suffering from kidney failure and requires kidney dialysis three times a week. He also suffers from diabetes in 2008. On top of this, he has to take care of his 56-year-old wife, Chow Wai Goh, who suffers from depression and frequent giddiness, and who turned blind after the birth of their second son. And, to make matters even tougher, Lim has to provide for his two children who are still in school. The couple came to Silver Circle (Punggol South) in early March 2009 and they are not letting their hardships stand in the way.

They make the most of what they have, as well as extended help from NTUC Eldercare. Due to their tough financial situation, the organisation gave them financial assistance including Eldercare Trust Subsidy of $50 for their day care. On top of that, MCYS funded the couple for 75 percent of their care and through the Eldercare Trust, the couple could tap on the medical escort from Care@home programme and enjoy a 50 percent subsidy to bring Lim to the doctor’s appointment in the hospital. With the service of Care@home, the children can concentrate on their studies without worrying about the doctor’s appointment. The couple remain grateful for the assistance as that means they can get the proper care they need.

Said Lim, “The staff here are very committed, and caring to us and others. They are also very helpful and passionate about their work. We are happy to come here. Also, coming here, allows us to become more social and we are able to interact with others, keeping our minds sharp. The food is also very good and not oily or salty/sugary especially with my condition.” The couple have been keeping up with their regular exercises, which they never did previously.

Silver Circle’s Maureen Chua remarked that Chow has become a happier person and joins in the fun such as dancing with her husband in the centre. “As her depression has been improving, Lim has also become less stressful and is able to concentrate on his kidney dialysis session without having to worry about his blind wife being home alone. He knows Chow remains in good hands with NTUC Eldercare.” For Lim, this all is a new, brighter beginning.