The little-known lives of the women in welfare homes
The little-known lives of the women in welfare homes
Women are a minority in welfare homes across Singapore. Many end up there after years of neglect, trauma or illness.
60-year-old Karen (not her real name) never imagined that she would live in a welfare home after growing up in a “very comfortable home”.
She has limited contact with her adult son and has been living in MWS Christalite Methodist Home for around a year.
Despite initial struggles, many of the women saw improvements in their health and a sense of stability.
“If I didn’t stay here the last seven years, I would be a lot worse than I am now,” said Ms Sarah (not her real name), a resident at Thuja Home at Pelangi Village.
One welfare home says many of its residents have been abandoned by family members due to age, disability and illness.
Madam Mary (not her real name) found a place in MWS Christalite Methodist Home after years of collecting and selling cardboard.
