"I met my wife Elizabeth at a convent funfair.  We got married after 5 years of courtship, and enjoyed 62 blissful years together.  Before the onset of Alzheimer's in 2000, my wife was a talented woman. She had a flair for knitting, gardening and cooking. But I saw her illness as an opportunity for me to take care of her, and to give back all the love that she had showered on our children and me.

I was there throughout the days and nights - just to be by her side - when she was admitted to the hospital.  Unfortunately, I had to be hospitalised once due to an Upper Respiratory Infection.  It was difficult for me to be apart from her.  I could only take a peep at her from the ward corridor, as her immunity was too low for me to be physically there with her at the time.

In 2015, my wife passed away.  It was heart breaking.  I am slowly coming to terms with the sad reality that she is no longer around.  To all caregivers, my advice is to be more patient with your loved ones. Learn to accept the illness and do your best.  If that fails, be glad that you have tried your best."

Victor Sim
Retiree
Caregiver of Mdm Elizabeth Koh

Mr Sim is one of the winners of the Singapore Health Inspirational Patient and Caregiver Award 2016.

Tags: IPCA2016