Medical & Health Station Activities
The activities we do for residents
Scraping Therapy
The Medical & Health Station offers free scraping therapy services to the residents on the first and third Saturday of every month, from 9 am to 1 pm. Our volunteers use buffalo horn scraping tools developed by the renowned Chinese medicine expert, Chuah Pei Chun, to help the elderly with their tendon scraping. Scraping therapy, unlike "gua sha," involves using the guasha tool to repeatedly scrape and push against the reflex zones of various organs, especially on the back, without separating it from the body. This technique effectively alleviates various ailments in the elderly, enhances their self-healing abilities, regulates the flow of energy and blood, and promotes overall balance and well-being.
In addition to scraping therapy, our volunteers also provide services such as acupressure, stretching, and rhythmic massage for the elderly. It is our hope that through improving their tendons and bones, we can enhance their immune system and achieve the benefits of longevity.
Sketching Class
The first and third Sunday mornings of each month, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm are the days when local artist, Ms Sheryn Lee comes to teach our residents sketching. Teacher Lee teaches the elderly to draw still life, portraits, fruits and etc, starting from basic sketching techniques and gradually guiding them to master the fundamental skills of drawing. Sketching requires cognitive abilities such as observation, analysis, and hand-eye coordination, which provide excellent exercise for the elderlies' brains. Therefore, apart from learning artistic skills, participating in sketching classes can enhance the attention, concentration, and observation skills of the elderly, helping them maintain mental clarity and agility. Therefore, offering sketching classes not only help the elderly develop their creative expression and provide mental exercise, but also promotes social interaction, and increases their enjoyment of life.
Facial Care
The monthly facial care activity is primarily aimed at taking care of the elderlies' appearance, making them feel confident. At the same time, it allows the residents to experience the pleasure of physical and mental relaxation. A 45-minute facial acupressure massage and back massage for the old folks can promote blood circulation, exfoliation, and rejuvenation of their skin cells, improving and enhancing their skin elasticity. The comfortable environment and relaxing experience can rejuvenate the spirit of the residents, enabling them to retain the radiant vitality and beauty in the twilight of their lives.
Handcraft Class
The residences are exposed to different arts or hand crafts, learning new things with open-hearts, exercising their hands, practicing their thoughts & thinking, caring for each other, and enhancing the relationships in the community. It also improves their self-confidence, by igniting colorful creations and longing for the beautiful things, we are promoting the spirit of Care & Share, to nourish others & enrich our own selves.
Monthly Hair Cut and Hair Dyeing
As people age, maintaining their appearance becomes more challenging for many elderly individuals. Haircuts and hair dyeing can make them feel cleaner and more confident, helping them maintain a good image and become "lovelier" as they grow older. Therefore, on the first Monday of every month, our volunteers, including three professional hairstylists, come to provide free haircuts and hair dyeing for the residents. This activity provides an opportunity for our old folks to come out and socialize, interact with the volunteers, and chat with the hairstylists at the community center, thus increasing social interaction and alleviating loneliness.
This monthly event reflects the spirit of community care and support for the elderly. By focusing on and helping the elderly maintain their appearance and mental well-being, we express our respect and care for them while also strengthening community cohesion and a sense of belonging.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Consultation
Every third Saturday morning of the month, from 9 am to 12 pm, we will host Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) consultations for the old folks. We believe that TCM and modern medicine have different theoretical foundations and treatment methods but they can complement and integrate with one other. Currently, we have two TCM practitioners providing pulse diagnosis, acupuncture, and moxibustion for the residents of the settlement. Through these consultations, residents can gain an understanding of the concepts and methods of TCM, learn how to prevent diseases, improve their lifestyle, and maintain good health.
In addition, this event provides a platform for the community residents to come together and enjoy a complimentary vegetarian lunch provided by us. It fosters communication and interaction among them, strengthening community cohesion and a sense of belonging.
A Soulful Tea Gathering"
On the first and third Saturday afternoons of each month, from 2 pm to 4 pm, we will hold tea gatherings at the Medical & Health Stations and invite the elderly individuals to come and have afternoon tea and engage in discussions on life's topics. We discovered that the elderly possess a wealth of life experiences and wisdom, but often lack the opportunity to express themselves and share their stories. Through "A Soulful Tea Gathering," the elderly can engage in mutual communication, listen to each other's stories and perspectives, and build deep interpersonal relationships. Additionally, the elderly may face various challenges and uncertainties in the later stages of their own life, such as dealing with health issues, losing loved ones, and reflecting on the meaning and purpose of life. In this gathering, we join the elderly in exploring these topics together, sharing insights and experiences, assisting them in reevaluating their lives, finding new motivation and passion, and creating a warmer and more caring community atmosphere.
ACP (Advance Care Planning)
Advance Care Planning (ACP) refers to the process in which patients, while conscious and capable of making decisions, establish their treatment and care preferences so that when they become seriously ill in the future, to communicate these wishes with healthcare professionals or loved ones.
Dr. Goh Pik Pin, the founder of Kasih Hospice, not only provide ACP training to the medical staff at the National Leprosy Control Center, but also lead our volunteers to engage with patients in the wards and community, sharing information about ACP. This enables them to anticipate the worst-case scenario of becoming seriously ill and engage in discussions that align with their personal desires for medical care choices, as well as arrangements for end-of-life or posthumous matters. Additionally, Dr. Goh emphasizes four important aspects: expressing love, expressing gratitude, offering apologies, and saying farewell, encouraging the elderly to cherish their lives and live meaningfully while they are still alive.