Ray of Hope is raising $2,508 ($418 x 6 months) to help Mdm Jainah with groceries and Shamsul’s milk and diaper expenses. This will relieve her financial burden as she awaits the renewal of SSO assistance. 

Since her husband passed away in 2003, 72 year-old Mdm Jainah has been the sole caregiver of her youngest son. 43-year-old Shamsul, the youngest of Mdm Jainah’s four children, has severe intellectual disability and is totally reliant on his mother for activities of daily living. Mdm Jainah’s three other children are married, but rarely visit.

Mdm Jainah worked as a caterer previously, but stopped five years ago due to her ailing health. She suffers from high blood pressure, cholesterol, as well as severe water retention and numbness in her legs.

Mdm Jainah lives in a one-room rental flat with Shamsul and her niece. Her niece works part-time as a Student Care teacher and is seeking full-time employment. In the meantime, she can only contribute minimally to the household.

The family has been relying on assistance from the Social Service Office, which ended in October, and from MUIS, which ends in March 2022. As an elderly person-in-need, Mdm Jainah also receives a quarterly payout from the Silver Support Scheme.

Over the years, Mdm Jainah has struggled to provide for Shamsul. The expenses are heavy, but necessary: Shamsul drinks Ensure milk twice a day, in addition to meals, to supplement his nutrition, and he requires diapers day and night.

*Mdm Jainah is currently receiving social assistance.