The little-known lives of the women in welfare homes
Tap to
previous
frame
previous
frame
Tap to
next frame
next frame
The little-known lives of the women in welfare homes
By CNA/Tan Wen Lin
Tap to continue
Women are a minority in welfare homes across Singapore. Many end up there after years of neglect, trauma or illness.
By CNA/Tan Wen Lin
Tap to continue
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”.
By CNA/Tan Wen Lin
Tap to continue
She has limited contact with her adult son and has been living in MWS Christalite Methodist Home for around a year.
By CNA/Tan Wen Lin
Tap to continue
Despite initial struggles, many of the women saw improvements in their health and a sense of stability.
By CNA/Tan Wen Lin
Tap to continue
“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.
By CNA/Tan Wen Lin
Tap to continue
One welfare home says many of its residents have been abandoned by family members due to age, disability and illness.
By CNA/Tan Wen Lin
Tap to continue
Madam Mary (not her real name) found a place in MWS Christalite Methodist Home after years of collecting and selling cardboard.
By CNA/Tan Wen Lin
Tap to continue
“Sleeping outside is very dangerous. But living here is very good. Here, there’s food, there’s a place to stay,” said Mdm Mary.
By CNA/Tan Wen Lin