TTSH rolls out new online portal to guide caregivers

Ms Jean Lim found herself out of her depth in February, when she suddenly had to care for her 71-year-old mother who had a fall.

- Zhaki Abdullah Correspondent

Her mother had to undergo leg surgery after falling at an MRT station on the eve of Chinese New Year, and was later found to have degenerative disc disease - a condition where the soft discs between the spinal bones wear out over time.

The elderly woman chose to continue living on her own after being discharged from the hospital, instead of moving in with one of her children.

Ms Lim - who is married and has three children, aged four to 13 — found that a lot of work was needed to take care of her mother’s needs.

This included installing grab bars and other modifications in the shower to lower the risk of another fall, as well as making arrangements for home therapy.

“I was actually caught a bit unprepared,” said the 42-year-old, who works in the financial sector. “I did not know where to go for help.”

To help people like Ms Lim, Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) has introduced CarePal, an online portal that aims to serve as a onestop portal for caregivers.