Six years ago at the age of 73, Mr Koh Kong Kuan suffered a fall that marked the tipping point in his life. At the time, he was living alone in a rented room and lacked the energy or interest to talk to others as a result of depression. Mr Koh shares: “My mental condition was getting worse and I became helpless. The doctors and counsellors at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital told me that I cannot stay alone for my own safety.” 

Watch this video to see how Mr Koh’s life has been transformed through the support of the Community Chest.

His situation was precarious as he was also finding it hard to continue paying his monthly rent.

But life for Mr Koh was not always this challenging. The former teacher and saxophone-playing school band conductor was once happily married. But after a tragic family incident, his relationship with his loved ones became strained. He was diagnosed with major depressive disorder in 1996. 

In 2019 when he fell and hurt himself, the combination of older age, injury and depression proved too heavy for him to go on without support. 

At Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, a medical social worker recommended Mr Koh to the AWWA Senior Community Home (SCH) in Ang Mo Kio.

Shortly after, in Sept 2019, he was able to secure a place at SCH and moved in. There, he rediscovered the outgoing man he once knew himself to be.

SCH offers Mr Koh a busy social calendar, music, friends, and even a new hobby in coffee appreciation.

“I am quite fortunate that I was accepted at SCH. It took me around three months to almost get back to normal. I’m very happy now,” says Mr Koh.

With Community Chest supporting some of its programmes and initiatives, SCH provides accommodation for low-income seniors who have no alternative living arrangements.

It is housed within a block of HDB rental flats, allowing its residents to stay integrated with the wider commu...