How hospitals, other institutions are helping caregivers

His father, Mr HJ Tengku Badarisah Tengku Ismail, had dementia and was warded in hospital for nine days before dying in early November at age 90.

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Mr T.J., his siblings and domestic helper took turns to spend the night with Mr Badarisah. “We didn’t want our father to be alone,” says Mr T.J.

Being in the ward meant he could explain his father’s care needs to the nurses. His father was sensitive to light, so Mr T.J. asked the nurses to turn the lights off after doing their rounds.

Mr T.J. says: “We had a connection that meant he didn’t need to speak to make his wishes known. One look and I knew what was on his mind.”

As at Jurong Community Hospital, a designated caregiver at Alexandra Hospital can sleep on a foldout bed or recliner chair near the patient and use an assigned bathroom and shower cubicle.

They can bring their own food or buy it at the hospital. In some wards, they get light snacks on request and can use the pantry to make hot drinks.

“I used to joke to my friends that I was going to Alexandra Resorts to meet my father, not Alexandra Hospital,” says Mr T.J..

He adds: “In previous hospital stays, we were not allowed to be by my father’s side. We were so appreciative that we could be with him this time.”

FROM HOSPITAL TO HOME

Mr Abdul Malik Ibrahim, 62, was hospitalised at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital for 10 months in 2024, first to treat dengue, then for various conditions that left him using a stoma bag because of intestinal surgical operations.

His wife, Madam Siti Hala Kassim, 62, recalls how worried she was about taking him home afterwards. “I was thinking: ‘How do I care for him when he is discharged? Will he need a hospital bed? What else do I need to do?’”

Taking home a patient with long-term care needs can be daunting, but involving the caregiver early can help.

Madam Siti had observed how her husband's stoma bag was emptied and his wound cleaned in the hospital. The hospital arranged a home nursing team to help with these tasks.