By Sarah Chua, Volunteer

Sometimes, what you need is a pair of ears. 

Mdm Maureen Lau remembers how she used to be more active. Up till three years ago, she was still travelling around the world with her family and friends. The centrepiece in her living room is a traditional clock she bought from the Black Forest in Germany. 

These days, Mdm Lau is not as surefooted as before. Her hearing is no longer as good as it was. Mr Low See Hong, her husband for almost 55 years, tells her what she missed.

Mr Low used to be a construction foreman. Now 93, he has dementia. But his eyes light up when he sees visitors. 

Mdm Lau used to be a dressmaker with international fashion brands. Back in the day, she would be hunched over the work table, drawing and cutting out patterns. Now 86, her back is still hunched but for different reasons.

Mdm Lau certainly has her share of worries. She has to care for Mr Low who has walking difficulties. Meanwhile, she is losing weight in spite of the supplements she has been taking. The doctors also tell her that the issue with her spinal cord is causing unequal leg length. 

Mr Low has just been discharged from Changi General Hospital, and he has had to spend another 10 days in St Andrew's Community Hospital. Since then, a nurse has been helping them at home for three weeks. 

She takes it all in with good-natured humour and warm gratitude. Mdm Lau thinks fondly of her friends who drive them for their medical appointments. She also thinks of the Red Cross volunteers who check in on them every week.

Singapore Red Cross’ ElderAid Befriender Coordinator Florence Sim and her team of volunteers have been helping the couple through life’s challenges. They brainstorm and share creative solutions, for anything from finding mobile phones with larger font sizes to resolving their rental income tax issues.  

The couple cannot depend on relatives who are close to their age and who also need support. Their only son has relocated to Switzerland, and they have to content themselves with photos and WhatsApp messages. 

“We appreciate that Red Cross volunteers spend a moment each week to chat with us. They offer a listening ear and encourage us,” said Mdm Lau.

Mdm Lau was fussing over her hair that is growing longer. But that's alright. She can now look forward to her appointment with a Red Cross volunteer hairstylist, who provides free haircuts to the elderly, every month.