The Straits Times
March 13, 2013
By Melody ZaccheusMarch 13, 2013
Struck down by glaucoma early last year, Ms Patricia Chua, 30, holed herself up at home for six months after being left with just 10 per cent of her sight."I made visits to hospital only for medical check-ups in a wheelchair and was not confident enough to venture further," said the ex-administrative executive.
Six months later, after participating in a pilot version of the Home Care programme by the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped, she is now able to walk with the help of a cane, do basic chores and buy food from a nearby hawker centre.
Later this month the $180,000-a-year programme will be launched officially and reach more visually impaired individuals, said the association's executive director Mr Michael Tan. A team of six specialists, including social workers and occupational therapists, will serve around 30 clients every year.
Said Mr Tan: "More adults are losing their sight and end up having to learn everything all over again from basic activities like making coffee to taking a shower. This programme thus brings help and a support network to their doorstep through regular household visits."
The association has 3,300 registered clients. President Tony Tan, who toured the facility's grounds on Monday, commended the 62-year- old association. He said: "The visually impaired among us can lead independent lives if we help them build up the confidence and gain the skills to do so."
Dr Tan, who will be guest of honour at the association's charity banquet on March 26, also encouraged other voluntary welfare organisations to similarly enhance their services to address the emerging needs of Singapore's ageing population.
Said Mr Tan: "More adults are losing their sight and end up having to learn everything all over again from basic activities like making coffee to taking a shower. This programme thus brings help and a support network to their doorstep through regular household visits."
The association has 3,300 registered clients. President Tony Tan, who toured the facility's grounds on Monday, commended the 62-year- old association. He said: "The visually impaired among us can lead independent lives if we help them build up the confidence and gain the skills to do so."
Dr Tan, who will be guest of honour at the association's charity banquet on March 26, also encouraged other voluntary welfare organisations to similarly enhance their services to address the emerging needs of Singapore's ageing population.
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