Ms Thirunavukkarasu Bavani, 42 Therapy Aide, Ren Ci Hospital
In her previous job, Ms Bavani worked as a Flash software programmer. “It’s entirely different from what I’m doing now as a therapy aide,” she says with a laugh.
MAKING THE MOST OF WHAT SHE LOVES
Ms Bavani is very IT-savvy and enjoys surfing websites to learn more about health-related issues. “My hobby is to go online and look up information on how to keep fit and active, how to prepare food that is healthy for children and the elderly, and so on,” she shares.
Wanting to put her knowledge to practice, she attended the healthcare job fair at Hong Kah North Community Club in July 2015. There, she decided to apply for a therapy aide position at Ren Ci Hospital.
DISCOVERING THE COMMUNITY
After she was hired by Ren Ci Hospital, Ms Bavani went through the Community Care Discovery Programme (CCDP), a new manpower development initiative aimed at attracting locals to the sector. The CCDP offers potential jobseekers an opportunity to experience the Community Care sector and gain a better understanding of the diverse roles of community support care workers.
Ms Bavani, who was undergoing on-the-job training at the time of this interview, was undeterred by the prospect of stepping out of her comfort zone.She reveals, “I was not worried or nervous at all. I was excited to meet people who are working in this sector and to see how they take care of their patients.”
“This three-day programme gave me a chance to experience all of this. Through this programme, you can find out whether you are really interested in working in this sector. I believe when you are interested in a job, you can do it well; otherwise, you won’t have the motivation to do it,” she adds.
She shares an incident during those three days that strengthened her commitment to this sector. “I was at Ren Ci Nursing Home (Moulmein), and the residents were doing a drawing activity. I saw that one of the residents could not even hold a pencil up. So I held the pencil together with him and helped him draw.”
“That’s why I chose to work in this sector – however little it may seem, our help can make a big difference in the patients’ lives,” she said with a smile.
For Ren Ci Hospital, individuals like Ms Bavani are exactly who they need. “Finding people with the right attitude is essential. At Ren Ci, we instill in our staff to deliver service with heart and hope. Ms Bavani is a perfect example of this,” says Margarita Liew, Human Resource Director, Ren Ci Hospital.
FAMILY SUPPORT
Ms Bavani can also count on the support of her loved ones. “My husband even joked that this job is more beneficial for him, as I can take care of him when he gets older and if he experiences any leg pain!” says the bubbly lady with a laugh.
She continues, “Recently, even my young daughter, who’s in her school’s badminton team, came to me complaining of leg pain and asked me to relieve her pain. It’s nice to be able to help my loved ones out!”
Mr Lim Shew Chew, 53 Therapy Aide, Singapore Christian Home
When he left his previous job, Mr Lim thought to himself, “Why not try looking for a job that will allow me to give back to society?” That was when he discovered a therapy aide opening at the Recruitment Fair in Nee Soon Central Community Centre in May 2015.
LEARNING NEVER ENDS
Mr Lim was undergoing on-the-job training at the time of this interview. “My training is continuous. I’m reporting to my senior, who is an Occupational Therapist. As and when she finds that there are suitable training programmes for me, she will sign me up for those programmes,” he says.
“I’m glad to go for as many short training courses as possible, as these help me become more confident at doing my job,” he adds.
As a therapy aide, he helps and encourages residents of Singapore Christian Home to do exercises that will strengthen their arm and leg muscles. He shares, “If these residents just lie there without doing anything, their condition might deteriorate.” Mr Lim has learnt the importance of connecting with his residents.
“I will do my best to encourage them, and try to explain why these exercises are important. Therapy can be very theoretical, so I joke with my residents and do the exercises with them in a way that is fun and enjoyable for them. This is to put them at ease,” he reveals.
COMMITMENT, PASSION AND SACRIFICE
“Commitment to the job is very important. This kind of job needs dedicated and committed people because, honestly speaking, it is a very tough sector,” reiterates Mr Lim.
“It’s good that there are programmes in place that will create exposure to this industry first, before you decide to commit to it,” he continues.
A Singapore Christian Home representative echoes Mr Lim’s sentiment. “It is indeed a labour-intensive sector. It takes commitment, passion, and definitely some sacrifice to work in this sector. But at the same time, it is a highly rewarding career, as you can make a difference in the lives of others.”
