Born prematurely, Leong Khai Fai was diagnosed with Kernicterus, a rare but serious condition that led to brain damage. Now at 55, he still grapples with severe neurological, physical, intellectual, verbal development impairments —  and an aging caregiver. 

77-year-old Mdm Wong has been Khai Fai's dedicated caregiver for several decades, lovingly assisting him with the activities of daily living while navigating her own challenges as a single mother. However, as she entered her seventies, Mdm Wong found it increasingly difficult to care for Khai Fai alone, even during the evenings after his return from the Red Cross Day Activity Centre for the Disabled (DAC).

"As I aged, I became concerned about how I could care for him alone when he returns from daycare," Mdm Wong explained.

Therefore in 2024, when Khai Fai lost some of the limited mobility he had earlier, Mdm Wong sought RCHD’s support to secure a place for her son at the Red Cross Home for the Disabled (RCHD) after discovering that RCHD provided long-term residential care for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

"His mobility has been declining since the beginning of 2024. As he is confined to his wheelchair, he has minimal interaction throughout the day. I fear his health would deteriorate at an accelerated pace."

A Safe Haven for Persons with Disabilities, and Their Caregivers

Since Khai Fai enrolled in the RCHD as a resident in May 2024, Khai Fai has benefitted from RCHD's holistic professional care and therapy programmes specially tailored to develop his physical, social, recreational and daily living skills. 

Staff Nurse Bernalyn Paragas observes, "Generally, Khai Fai enjoys gazing at the scenery surrounding the RCHD building and watching cars go by. He spends his time watching television and moving around in his wheelchair under supervision. Even as an introvert, I've noticed him smiling warmly at our caregiving employees and other residents."

With Khai Fai in good hands, Mdm Wong now has more time for herself. She manages household chores at a relaxed pace, enjoys leisurely supermarket visits, and unwinds with favorite TV shows and music. Despite the distance, she maintains a close connection with Khai Fai, visiting him weekly and bringing his favorite dishes.

"Khai Fai loves drinking soup. I prepare lotus root soup, bitter gourd soup, duck, roasted meat, or fish cake for him when I visit once a week!" his mother shares.

The RCHD caregivers appreciate witnessing the strong bond between Khai Fai and his mother during her weekly visits. Staff Nurse Paragas notes, "As Khai Fai's bed is near the male dormitory door, he often peeks out, eagerly awaiting his mother's visit. Despite her mobility issues, she still wheels him around the garden on level five. They enjoy sitting outside together, gazing at the sky. It’s clear that they both cherish each other's company."

In addition to the care at RCHD, Khai Fai is an active participant of festive celebrations and other organised outdoor activities. This includes an outing to IKEA Alexandra with his dormitory mates, where his mother joined in making it all the more special. His radiant smiles reflected his enjoyment of these events.

A Pillar of Strength for Families with Persons with Disabilities

As a beneficiary of RCHD's services, Mdm Wong recommends the facility to other families caring for persons with disabilities. RCHD serves as a vital pillar of support for families unable to provide full-time care for their loved ones with disabilities. By ensuring a quality life for residents, RCHD offers hope and peace of mind to their families as well.

By Sourik Sinha, Volunteer Writer
Copyedited by Eunice Sng, Marketing & Communications