"My wife has a terrible temper.  You know how domineering she is?  She will not let me read the newspapers, because she claims it will ruin my eyesight.  I have to sneak in a corner at home to read it.  Despite our differences, I am her husband, and it is my responsibility to remain by her side. People say I fear her, but that is not true – the fact is that I understand her. She cannot help herself when she is being unreasonable, but she has such a kind heart.

My wife was a heavy smoker all her life. She has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) now, a terminal illness. I myself am a cancer survivor as well. But I still visit her at the nursing home every day. I feed her and watch over her, so she doesn't fall out of her wheelchair.  When she asks for her favourite pandan cake, I take a two and a half-hour round trip on the bus to Clementi to buy it. Their cakes are nice, and each slice is wrapped so they stay fresh longer.   You could call it love – I feel it is my duty.  If the tables were turned, I am sure she would do the same for me."

Goh Hwoo Yan
Retiree
Caregiver for Mdm Check Kwan Yoke
 
Mr Goh is one of the winners of the Singapore Health Inspirational Patient and Caregiver Award 2016.

Tags: IPCA2016