AMK-THKH Newsletter Issue 2 of 2011 - Thye Hua Kwan Hospital

Our participants engaging in a friendly chatCaring for ourCaregiversBringingComfortProvidingSupportAmputation can be a distressingprocedure for many patients,especially the elderly. Many amputeeshave to adjust to their new lifestylesafter amputation as well as cope withemotional and physical struggles.Hence, to help patients cope withthe trauma of losing their limbs, theHospital’s Care and Counselling Teamstarted the Amputee Support Group.The monthly sessions provideopportunities for patients to sharetheir experiences and provide supportfor one another.Mr Tong, 53, who suffers from diabetes,has found these sessions very uplifting.He said “After sharing with the otherparticipants on the frustrations andcommon difficulties faced, I feel morecomfortable about being wheelchairbound.We have learnt to support andmotivate one other to overcome ourfears and difficulties. Mr Tong leadsan independent life with the help of hiswheelchair.Besides the sharing sessions, theCare and Counselling Team alsoorganises activities to preparepatients to integrate safely back tosociety. Patients learn to preparesimple and healthy meals, as well asseed planting which can be carriedout at home. These activities aim tohelp them realise that there are manythings they can do in their lives despitetheir medical conditions.The Care and Counselling team alsoworks with the Hospital’s therapistsand dieticians to educate thesepatients’ on simple home exercises aswell as tips on healthy eating.With more than 97% of our patientsaged 50 years and above, care-givinghas become a fact of life for manyfamily members of our patients whooften require continuous care after theirdischarge.Madam Ah Lek is the primary caregiverfor her godmother who suffered a fall inearly 2011. “I was very worried aboutcaring for her after her discharge.Although I learnt from the nurseshow to provide for her everyday needssuch as bathing and feeding, I was notsure if I was ready to be a caregiver.Even during her stay at the Hospital,I realised how stressful it is to be acaregiver.”To allay the fears and concerns offamily members such as Mdm Ah Lek,the Care and Counselling Team at theHospital launched a Caregivers SupportGroup for our patients’ caregivers.The four-week programme is designedto prepare them on their journey ofbeing caregivers. Split into hour-longsessions, caregivers are provided withan avenue to share their experienceswith fellow caregivers. The sessionsalso provide them with opportunitiesto gain a better understanding of whattheir loved ones are going through.Participants are also provided valuabletips on emergency care planning aswell as practical techniques on angerand stress management.“Care-giving over a prolonged periodcan take its toll on a caregiver emotionallyand physically. It is importantthat they take care of themselves andminimise the effects of stress and angerthey may feel,” explained Ms Fan LooChing, Principal Medical Social Worker.For Mdm Ah Lek, although her journeyas a caregiver is just beginning, shenow feels ready to care for her godmother. “Thanks to the programme, Ihave gained a better understanding ofwhat to expect as a caregiver. I can facethe future with greater confidence.”Our Medical Social Worker.Ms Tan Ying Yan, sharingstress managementtechniques with caregiversAMK - THKH REACHING OUT9