KUCHING: At 76 years old, Chin Nyuk Fah lives alone in a small rented house in Sg. Apong here.
With declining health and poor eyesight, she relies heavily on the kindness of her neighbours for daily assistance.
Hope Place Kuching recently visited Chin to assess her condition and identify her needs.
“Both of Chin’s legs are very weak. According to her medical report, she has degenerative spine disease. In the past, good Samaritans have given Chin a walking frame as well as a wheelchair for her convenience,” it said through a statement yesterday (August 15).
Despite these aids, Chin’s small living space makes mobility challenging, and she often leans on walls to move from room to room.
Frequent falls are a significant concern, including an incident where she fell in her bathroom. Fortunately, a neighbour found her and took her to the hospital, but the fall left her bedridden for weeks.
“In addition to her spine disease, Chin battles high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney problems, and vision impairment. Formerly a factory worker, she is now estranged from her siblings,” it said.
Known for her friendly and talkative nature, Chin spends her time listening to her transistor radio or visiting neighbours.
She is fluent in various Chinese dialects and ‘bahasa kampung,’ endearing herself as a cheerful ‘nenek’ in the community.
Her neighbours not only keep a watchful eye on her but also help with cooking and hospital visits. Even her landlord inquires about her health and buys groceries for her.
Chin receives a monthly aid of RM500 from social welfare, and Hope Place supports her with basic food supplies.
For more information, Hope Place or Persatuan Kebajikan Harapan Kuching (PKHK) can be reached at 082-505987 or 013-5672775.
