Just last Saturday, I was at North Bridge Road with some of my fellow course mates. We were there to help out with the health screening of the residents that was organised by the Singapore Heart Foundation. These residents were residents of a one-room flat.
Once again, its my first time doing health screening for residents as well as visiting a one-room flat. Honestly, before I was in this course, I never knew that Singapore had places with one-room flat, not to mention how it looks like.
When all was present, we were split into small groups so that each group will cover a certain area. I was in the same group as Horkuan, Nicholas and 2 other volunteers of the Singapore Heart Foundation. At first, I didnt't really know how I'd approach the residents. But once we started, things were not as difficult as I thought it would be.
What we did there was a simple health screening that did not require the residents to pay for it.
1) Height
2) Weight
3) Waist circumference
4) Blood pressure
5) Questions
So this was basically what we did for the residents. Also, at the end of the health screening, we would ask the resident if there was any health issues that we did not mention, and that if they would like to share with us.
The units that my group went to were mostly residents who were living alone. And there were 3 residents that left me a deep impression. The first 2 were living right opposite each other. When we completed the health screening for the first resident, we moved on to his neighbour's unit. When we were in his neighbour's unit, he came over to chat with us. This is what most of us would call as 'self-invite.' But this wasn't the point. The 2 of them could get along very well and they were all smiles while we were there. They treated us with great hospitality even though they didn't have to.
This made me think. Even though they are living in poorer conditions as compared to us, they are still contented. I've never talked to my neighbours, not to mention going into their house. Oh, but there was an exception. My family even had problems with the neighbour living directly opposite os us. But its better now, because of what happened to her family member. We smile at each other and say "Hi. Bye" But comparing to these 2 residents, they definitely have a better relationship. At least they know they can count on each other.
I think we spent the longest time in the unit of the third resident. Not only did we talk about health issues, he shared with us about his life, which made me reflect on my own life. But that aside, I personally feel that this exercise is really very meaningful. Not only the part that we helped out with the screening, its the communications with the residents that are meaningful.
Here are some of what my friends shared about this exercise:
It was an eye opening and humbling experience for me as I saw how these people, despite living with just the basic necessities can still display a sense of contentment and it reminded me to be content with what I have. - Charmaine
Well, one thing I was amazed by was the people. They have tough living conditions, they live on below 500 a month and yet look how happy they are. They still smile and they are very appreciative of whatever small things they have. - Aaron
I got like a reality check. Here I am, not happy with life wanting a bigger and more comfortable bed for myself and looking at them makes me feel blessed to have what I have now. Some residents don't have bed, some no money to buy fruits.. Some staying alone in their house.. I feel thankful for having people around me and food to eat. - Nadiah
Well, I feel that this exercise is very beneficial as when we interact with the residents there, we learnt alot from how they live and also how they perceive life.
There was an aunty who was chased out from the house by her daughter and she was sleeping at the staircase with her things piled up at 1 side of the staircase.. and an uncle, who is not related to her offered to help and allowed her to rest at his home in the morning while he is out. And the aunty was still very elated and happy when she saw us. She jokes and laughs with us. So from this scenario, I really learnt that they way we look at our misfortune can really shape how we live our days.. So optimism from this aunty is really commendable. :) - Azizah
THE SOCIAL WORK TEAM!
