Madam Lee Ah Heng, 86

Madam Lee Ah Heng, 86 has an unusual way of greeting her fortnightly visitors from the Hua Mei Care Management Service. “Misi (meaning ‘nurse’ in Cantonese) thank you for coming; go and fill the three thermos flasks with hot boiling water,” she would say in a persistent commanding voice that resonates across her cramped one-room rental flat.

The hot drinking water will last about one week, which she knows is essential for her survival and independence.

For three years, the former domestic helper has been living alone with near blindness. Cataract and severe degeneration of optic nerve in her left eye, and diminished vision in the other, have left her groping in semi-darkness. But the feisty woman is determined to continue living in her own home.

When Madam Lee was referred to HMCM, she was managing her health and living condition by herself.

Our care managers started looking into ways to enhance her quality of life.

They accompanied her to a public hospital for a thorough eye examination, and lobbied on her behalf for Medifund to pay for her left eye’s cataract removal operation. As her optic nerve had been severely damaged, her vision remained limited.

The minimal vision however, gave Madam Lee, greater confidence. She could now move about in her home with less difficulty. She is now being treated for chronic eczema, and closely monitored for her adherence to medication.