Meet Mdm Lam Yoke Sim, 69, who is diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy. Her siblings found it challenging to manage Mdm Lam's caregiving responsibilities following the demise of their parents.  Since her enrolment into the Red Cross Home for the Disabled (RCHD) in 2004, Mdm Lam benefits from the professional care provided by the dedicated team of nursing aides and therapy aides which engage her and other residents in activities that enhance the physical, social and emotional well-being. Mdm Lam's jovial personality shines through her radiant smiles with everyone she meets, attesting that she enjoys socialising with both the employees and volunteers.

Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy, Mdm Lam Yoke Sim was enrolled in the Red Cross Home for the Disabled (RCHD) in 2004, following the demise of her parents.  Her siblings had found it challenging navigating her caregiving responsibilities while managing the demands of work and their respective families.

Since her enrolment in RCHD, Mdm Lam has benefited from the professional care provided by the nursing, therapy, healthcare aides who engage her and other residents in activities that enhance the physical, social and emotional well-being.  

Smiling Despite the Physical Challenges

Despite being diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Mdm Lam is a vibrant and jovial woman whose infectious smile always leaves a lasting impression on others. Often described as optimistic and friendly, her vibrant spirit brightens up the employees’ day when they attend to her.

“Mdm Lam is very polite, bubbly and jovial. She has higher cognitive abilities so when we do therapy for her, she will smile and appreciate us doing therapy for her. She also smiles and giggles, enjoying what we are doing for her,” K Allagesan, 58, a Therapy Aide at RCHD says “Although Mdm Lam is bedbound and physically challenged, she can still smile.”

“Interacting with her brings joy to our faces as every time we step in, Mdm Lam always greets us with a smile on her face,” Vedina, 39, Nursing Aide at RCHD says.

Enjoying Life

Like many of us, Mdm Lam enjoys many simple things in life. Her favourite food? “She loves spicy food and coffee!” Vedina quips.

Although Mdm Lam is a wheelchair user, she still enjoys going out for fresh air. 

“Her favourite activity is wheelchair strolling (where the residents are brought out on a wheelchair). Although she is not vocal, the glow on her face speaks volumes about her enjoyment when she is brought outdoors,” K Allagensan says.

Besides wheelchair strolling, RCHD also brings residents like Mdm Lam out on excursions around Singapore. Excursions offer opportunities for Mdm Lam to gain exposure while exploring different places in Singapore. Some places the residents visited included Marina Bay and VivoCity.

Mdm Lam takes pleasure in listening to music. 

“She loves listening to Chinese songs, and she is happy when people sing songs to her,” Vedina adds.

Despite the challenges faced by Mdm Lam, her cheerful and sociable disposition, and positivity shine through, demonstrating her tenacity and fortitude to enjoy life while forging meaningful bonds even in the face of adversity. 

By Nicole Chua, Volunteer
Copyedited by Michelle Tanmizi, Volunteer