Teo Hwee Lee, 47, a resident of the Red Cross Home for the Disabled (RCHD) since 1995, shines as a beacon of joy and kindness. For close to 30 years, a dedicated team of professional caregivers has been engaging Hwee Lee in activities that ensure her physical, emotional and social well-being. Despite being diagnosed with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, Hwee Lee brings joy and laughter to everyone around her and extends simple gestures of kindness to fellow residents. Hwee Lee's story is a powerful reminder that we can appreciate and find joy in the little things while cherishing the times to connect and care for one another through simple gestures of kindness.

Diagnosed with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, Teo Hwee Lee, 47, has been a resident of the Red Cross Home for the Disabled (RCHD) since 1995. 

Actively Engaged, at the Home Away from Home

For close to 30 years, RCHD's dedicated team of professional caregivers; nurses, nursing aides, healthcare aides, and therapists engage Hwee Lee in activities that address her physical, recreational, social, and emotional needs while maintaining her motor and cognitive skills. 

In 2018, the safety and well-being of the RCHD residents, including Hwee Lee, were bolstered with the installation of a ceiling hoist system at RCHD. Besides that, the ceiling hoist system, funded by a charity dinner organised by The Portcullis Group and Fusang, also eases the caregivers' physical demands and enhances their productivity. The ceiling hoist system is not the only avant-garde technology RCHD embraces, from which Hwee Lee and other residents benefitted. 

Hwee Lee and the other residents also benefit from the sophisticated technology RCHD leverages for individual and group therapies. These therapies avert the deterioration of their basic bodily functions while enhancing opportunities for social interaction. Besides engaging in therapies, Hwee Lee also engages in arts and crafts activities at RCHD that unleash her creativity. 

"Hwee Lee enjoys interacting with her co-residents in individual exercises and group therapy activities. Besides engaging and interacting actively, she also paints with employees' assistance in arts and crafts sessions," said Bernalyn Rivera Paragas, Staff Nurse of RCHD.

The activity that Hwee Lee looks forward to, and the highlight of her week, is gardening. There are two gardens on the fifth and eighth floors of the RCHD. One of the gardens offers a beautiful skyline with a panoramic city view, which presents a refreshing change beyond the residents' dormitories. Gardening amplifies residents' awareness of the visual, touch, and olfactory sensations. 

"Hwee Lee enjoys spending time in the garden, watering the plants, as RCHD has vibrant gardens," said Bernalyn.

At the RCHD, caregivers ensure she is well-fed, feeding her for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and tea breaks. As she grapples with swallowing impairments, Hwee Lee's meals are based on a minced and moist diet, along with thickened fluids. She enjoys the meals prepared for her, which include bread with Milo and a thickener, soup, or porridge with some meat and vegetables.  

Each meal is a celebration for Hwee Lee, whose joyful smile and eyes lit up after every bite, a moment that the caregivers, including Bernalyn, find particularly heartwarming.

Finding Joy in the Little Things

Hwee Lee's ability to engage in basic communication enables her to participate in group activities such as quarterly birthday celebrations and outings, bringing her much joy as she thrives with meaningful social interactions. 

"At the Quarterly Birthday Celebrations, Hwee Lee would beam joyfully throughout the programme!" quipped Bernalyn.

Occasionally, the RCHD team would take residents, including Hwee Lee, on outings to the Sea Aquarium, Jewel Canopy Park, the Singapore Zoo, and various malls. 

"Hwee Lee also delights in observing various types of fish with her co-residents and RCHD caregivers," said Bernalyn.  

Likewise, Goyena Vedina Moneda (Vedina), RCHD's Senior Nursing Aide, recounted a memorable trip to the Singapore Zoo, where laughter filled the day.

“She is a simple person, and small things make her happy," said Vedina, who cherishes their shared laughter.

In the same vein, Bernalyn said, "Hwee Lee's greatest pleasure is spending time with others, particularly those who make her laugh.

Hwee Lee finds joy in the simplest moments. Her hearty laughs and radiant smiles at cheerful greetings and shared jokes underpin her love for humour and companionship. These daily interactions, filled with genuine laughter and affection, bear testimony to her cheerful disposition and infectious joy. She brightens the day for everyone around her while interweaving the fabric of her connections, and making her a beloved person among the caregivers and residents alike. 

Embodiment of Kindness and Empathy

Both Bernalyn and Vedina attest to Hwee Lee's benevolent personality. Exemplifying kindness, understanding and remarkable sensitivity towards her co-residents, Hwee Lee will alert caregivers if a resident requires assistance. 

"Upon noticing that a fellow resident requires assistance, e.g. if a resident dropped the bib or towel, is crying, or if the resident's sock or jacket is off at group outings, Hwee Lee would make some noises while pointing her head towards the resident, to notify the caregiver to check on the resident. Hwee Lee would also smile in agreement that the caregivers feed the other residents before her," said Bernalyn.  

Echoing her sentiment, Vedina said, "She is kind, very understanding and cares about employees and residents." 

Hwee Lee's sensitivity and intuitive responses to the needs of her co-resident speak volumes through her gestures and gentle cues, ensuring everyone feels loved and cared for.

Gleaning Life Lessons from Hwee Lee

Through Hwee Lee's story, we glean several insightful life lessons. True joy comes from the heart. Her story is a testament to the profound impact of human connection and the importance of cherishing every moment. In a world that often moves too fast, Hwee Lee teaches us to slow down, find joy in the little things, and appreciate the love and laughter in our lives. Her journey is a powerful reminder that disability does not curtail one's happiness and joy. Happiness is determined by one's thoughts, underpinned by unwavering positivity, kindness and empathy. 

“Through Hwee Lee, I realised that disability does not stop us from enjoying the life that we have,” said Bernalyn.

Even in the face of adversity, we can all find reasons to smile, connect and care for one another. Hwee Lee's story of love and laughter will touch the hearts and minds of those privileged to know her. Through her, we celebrate the strength of the human spirit, the beauty of a compassionate heart, and the uplifting power of joy. 

By Anchal Sharma, Volunteer
Copyedited by Michael Gutierrez, Volunteer, and Sondra Foo, Marketing & Communications