Rising above adversities

The prospect of homeless may be foreign to many, but for vulnerable seniors like 78 years old Mr Puar Ah Hoy, it can be a harsh reality. Mr Puar faced homelessness for an entire year before finding refuge and community at AWWA Senior Community Home.

Mr Puar’s life had been marked by many adversities and setbacks. Orphaned by 21, he started working at a young age to support himself. Despite limited family support , Mr Puar maintained his independence and faced life’s challenges head on.

Unfortunately, his health began to deteriorate after he suffered From stroke twice, and his situation worsened when he was hit by a car in his late 50s, resulting in a permanent limp and chronic pain. The accident cost Mr Puar his job and at 59, without employment and savings he found himself in a difficult situation. With a strained relationship with his brother, Mr Puar chose to live at a void deck rather than feel like a burden to his family.

After a year of loneliness and despair, Mr Puar was referred to the AWWA Senior Community Home. He has lived there for 15 years, finding a sense of belonging and purpose. The home's exercise programmes and physiotherapy sessions helped him regain strength and mobility. Mr Puar rekindled his passion for playing the harmonica, a self-taught skill from his childhood. He often performs nostalgic melodies for fellow residents and occasionally at public events.

Mr Puar's story is one of resilience and the transformative power of community support, illustrating how vulnerable seniors can find hope and joy even after experiencing significant adversity.

More than just a roof over his head

AWWA Senior Community Home provides more than just a bed for residents like Mr Puar. He has regained his health, both physically and emotionally. He has fellow residents whom he calls friends, as well as a support system to help him navigate the little things that he needs, such as his medication regime and adherence to his health check-ups.

Enabling active aging for our seniors

Since 2005, the SP Heartware Fund has supported social service programmes like AWWA Senior Community Home through Community Chest, empowering seniors who require social support in their silver years. The Fund enables seniors like Mr Puar to receive early intervention for vital services that support better health and mental wellness, while mitigating the risk of social isolation.

 

The AWWA Senior Community Home was founded in 1976. Housed within a block of HDB rental flats, its elderly residents remain integrated within the larger Ang Mo Kio community while living in a family-like environment.

SP Group underwrites all fund-raising costs of the SP Heartware Fund so that every dollar you donate will be channelled to over 200 critical social service programmes through Community Chest.