Outgoing and chatty, Mr Boey Sum Yoong continues to live life independently at 77. Despite living alone, he remains connected to his community, attending active ageing programmes and getting around confidently on his personal mobility device.
But things were not always this way.
After suffering a stroke in 2013, Mr Boey had to retire from his job as a shipyard worker. Once relatively healthy, he was now faced with the challenges of regaining his function and adapting to new routines.
It was at this juncture that he was first referred to St Luke’s Hospital for rehabilitation. Since his discharge, he has continued to follow up regularly at St Luke’s Community Clinic (SLCC).
Over the years, the team has not only supported his long-term stroke recovery, but also helped him manage other chronic conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and asthma.
More than Medication
But during a recent consultation, the team noticed something amiss.
Despite being prescribed medication and an inhaler, Mr Boey’s symptoms persisted, with frequent coughing and phlegm. Frustrated, he had stopped using the inhaler, believing it was costly and ineffective.
The team set out to understand what was happening.
A home visit by Care Coordinator Lydia Cheong revealed that Mr Boey had not been using his inhaler correctly—much of the medication was escaping instead of being effectively inhaled. He was also packing his pills incorrectly due to visuospatial difficulties, making it hard to differentiate between similar tablets. Recognising these challenges, a home medication-packing service was arranged, while Lydia continued to support him in the interim. Mr Boey was guided on proper inhaler use with an aerochamber, and his family was equipped through caregiver training.
With coordinated care and service linkages, Mr Boey is now better able to manage his medications and symptoms at home.
Irene, Mr Boey’s daughter, shared, “We appreciate Lydia for checking on my father even after the medication packing service was implemented.”
Thriving Again with Independence
With consistent adherence to his prescribed treatments, Mr Boey has noticed a marked improvement in his symptoms. “I feel better now!” he beamed.
Today, he is digiligent in using his inhaler with the aerochamber, and even takes the initiative to request new refills from the pharmacy.
More importantly, Mr Boey has regained something invaluable — the confidence to take charge of his own health. Empowered with the right support, he continues to live with energy and enthusiasm, spending his retirement staying active in the community and keeping up with his eight grandchildren.
