Mr Nagapillai, 83

Single and living alone
Asthmatic patient suffering from a chronic lung condition

Neglected no more

For several years, Mr Nagapillai was a stranger to sunlight, rarely stepping out of his one-room rental flat. A chronic lung condition and asthma had left him gasping for air at the slightest physical exertion.

Although Mr Nagapillai qualified for free treatment at the polyclinics as a Public Assistance (PA) recipient, getting to a polyclinic by himself was simply too strenuous, and he did not have the means to call for an ambulance. A return ambulance trip can cost up to $60, a sizeable chunk out of his $260 a month PA assistance.

Adding to his medical woes was vision loss caused by cataracts in both eyes but being illiterate, he was at a complete loss as to what was happening to him. Thinking that his medical conditions were untreatable, he fell into depression.

The unmarried former odd job labourer who has outlived his relatives in Madras and four siblings, was left alone to fend for himself.

In June 2003, he was referred to the Hua Mei Mobile Clinic whom he described as “the clinic who comes to see me.” The doctors attended to his medical condition and a year later, his health has improved so much that he can now walk to a nearby multi-service day centre for the elderly every day, with the help of a quad stick.

Today, Mr Nagapillai, a Hindu devotee, divides his time between his prayerful devotion to his favourite deity Krishna, whose glittering picture adorns one side of the wall of his flat, and social activities at the multi-service day centre. “The clinic and day centre are bagus (good),” said Mr Nagapillai in Malay, with a wide toothless grin.

Home medical care restores his independence The Hua Mei home care team first visited Mr Nagapillai two years ago, and found him suffering from multiple ailments which had been left untreated. His vision loss from cataracts was further complicated by age-old ailments such as bowel problems and chronic constipation. Sight regained after cataract operation Following a full medical assessment, Mr Nagapillai received appropriate medication, and his medical conditions improved. A cataract removal operation – arranged by the Hua Mei home care team – restored his sight and greatly enhanced his quality of life.

Putting asthma under control His asthma attacks became less frequent after a Hua Mei nurse taught him how to use an asthma spacer which has a plastic chamber, a device that allows medication to be ingested slowly and more effectively.

Proper medication

The Hua Mei home care team also made sure that medications for the illiterate Mr Nagapillai were clearly labelled with symbols and pictures, and they were taken according to instructions.

Medical appointments in order

Getting to the hospital for specialist treatment and following up on multiple appointments can be a bewildering experience for older patients.

The Hua Mei home care team helped him sort out his appointments at the Alexandra Hospital, and arrange for volunteers to take him to the hospital.

At the early stage of medical intervention, the doctors, nurses and social workers at Hua Mei made monthly visits. Now that his medical conditions have stabilized and he has regained some physical mobility, the medical visits now visit once every three months.

With his asthmatic condition under control, he began to make courageous small steps out of the house. The Hua Mei social worker linked him to a multi-service activity centre close to his home which he now visits daily for free meals and social activities.

“ The doctors, nurses and social workers at Hua Mei are extremely good in the care they provide. They treat me very well. If people talk to me and treat me well, I’m very happy” – Mr Nagapillai, 83

Hua Mei’s Care Plan for Mr Nagapillai Mr Nagapillai has been a Hua Mei Mobile Clinic patient since June 2003. Hua Mei Mobile Clinic has provided him the following care: • Treating his asthma, chronic constipation and urinary ailment with appropriate medication • Monitoring his medical condition and medication protocol through regular nurse and doctor visits • Providing him with social support by linking him with free community services, such as multi-service centre for the elderly • Pays for his monthly medication (* average cost of standard medication for one elderly patient is $50 a month or $600 a year. Non-standard medication costs more, from $200 a month)

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which

Mr Nagapillai

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