A Life Built Around Care

Mr Zainol is 73 this year. He and his wife have been married for eight years, and the two of them live on their own with no children or close family members to lean on.

Most days revolve around caring for his wife, whose mental health has gradually worsened over time. Mr Zainol has taken on the role of her full-time caregiver, managing the household while watching over her needs as best he can.

He speaks openly about how caring for his wife changed the direction of his life. After serving five years of incarceration, he made a firm decision not to return to his past lifestyle.  Since then, he has tried to build a stable and peaceful life around that commitment.

Doing His Best With Very Little

Although age has slowed him down physically, Mr Zainol continues to stay active. He goes for brisk walks regularly and participates in activities at the Active Ageing Centre (AAC) near his home because he believes it is important to keep both his body and mind healthy.

“It’s better to go out and amik angin (get some fresh air) instead of just staying at home all the time.”

He is also careful with money. The couple lives very modestly, stretching every dollar to cover groceries, transport, and daily necessities. On rare occasions, when finances allow, they treat themselves to a simple meal outside together.

Mr Zainol avoids borrowing unless absolutely necessary. When he does, he makes it a point to repay his friends quickly because he does not want to carry debt.

Still, the situation has become increasingly difficult.

At his age, employment opportunities are limited. Being a full-time caregiver makes it even harder for him to take on regular work. While the couple receives some government assistance, Mr Zainol still struggles to save money for rainy days due to their ongoing daily living and caregiving expenses.

What We Are Raising Funds For

We are raising funds to provide Mr Zainol with NTUC vouchers worth $450 per month for six months.

This support will help cover the couple’s grocery expenses and ease some of the financial pressure they face each day. With his savings nearly depleted and no stable source of income, timely assistance will help prevent the couple from falling deeper into hardship.

How This Support Will Help

The vouchers will give Mr Zainol some breathing room as he continues caring for his wife full-time.

Instead of constantly worrying about whether they can afford basic necessities, he will be able to focus more fully on maintaining both his wife’s well-being and his own health.

Caregiving at 73 is exhausting work, especially without family support. Even so, Mr Zainol continues showing up for his wife every day with patience and commitment.

This temporary support will help lighten the burden he has been carrying largely on his own.

 *The campaign goal includes a 1.8% payment processing fee.