
“Strong-willed, a fighter, and ever so precious to me,” Norhayati smiled as she described her aged father.
The 41-year-old, who is the sole caregiver to her father, Mr Kasani, faced a heart-wrenching moment when he failed to recognise her. This prompted her to make the tough decision to leave her job as a freelance instructor to become his full-time caregiver.
Mr Kasani had been diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, a form of progressive dementia that affects a person’s thinking, movement, behavior and mood.
Following a back injury, he was referred to St Luke’s Hospital (SLH) for wound care and rehabilitation. Initially, she was worried that he might face challenges adapting to a new environment, as she always knew him to be an introvert, often retreating to his room and immersing himself in his favorite radio channel without much interaction.
Recognising his love for music, Mr Kasani was recommended to participate in Music Therapy, an evidence-based practice that can help to boost one’s mood and reduce psychological symptoms in persons living with dementia. Led by Music Therapist Karen Koh, Mr Kasani plays the guitar and tambourine, while Norhayati joins in, singing along.
After spending two months in the wound ward, Norhayati observed a remarkable change in her father. He became more sociable, participating in rehabilitation activities and interacting with staff and bedside patients. “It’s like seeing a different side of him,” she said.
“My childhood was shaped by my father’s presence. Now, it’s my turn to be there for him, just like he was for me,” shared Norhayati. She remains constantly by his side, ensuring his needs are met, whether it’s adjusting his headphones or regulating the fan’s temperature.
“Happy Father’s Day to the dad of my life.”
