"Ying and I have been married for 45 years.  Before retiring, I managed 300 employees in an electronics factory. Running the company back then gave me immense satisfaction.  Now, as a full time caregiver, Ying gives me a different kind of satisfaction.  It is a role I would not trade for anything else in the world.

20 years ago, Ying was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, which affected her movement, and caused her to have frequent nightmares.   Other than looking after her daily needs, I also took over the rest of the household chores.  My cooking skills have definitely improved by an inch! Through caring for Ying, I have learned that caregivers need to be prepared for personal sacrifice. Sometimes, there is just no day or night for us. We also need to try to understand not just the physical needs of patients, but their emotional needs, too.

Taking care of my wife may not be easy, but to me, there is nothing more important than  family."

 

Tan Kheng Hock
Retiree
Caregiver of Mdm Ng Ying

Mr Tan is one of the winners of the Singapore Health Inspirational Patient and Caregiver Award 2016. Watch the video here.

 

Tags: IPCA2016