This World Social Work Day, we honour the exceptional medical social workers at our nursing home. These dedicated professionals have been instrumental in enhancing the well-being of our residents by addressing their emotional and social needs and ensuring they receive the compassionate care they deserve. They have cultivated meaningful connections with each resident, provide attentive support, guidance, and solace during difficult times.
Let’s have a chat with Jeraldine, the youngest medical social worker in the team! As a 23-year-old undergraduate, what are her thoughts on working in a nursing home, favourite moments and most memorable experience here?
Evergreen: Tell us a bit about yourself.
Jeraldine: Hi! I’m 23 years old and have been working as a social work associate at Bright Hill Evergreen Home for 3 years. This is my first job since completing my studies at Polytechnic, and I’m currently pursuing an undergraduate degree at SUSS.
Evergreen: Why do you choose to work in a nursing home?
Jeraldine: Since my time in polytechnic, my aspirations have always leaned towards working with children, youth, and the elderly. Initially, I hadn’t considered entering the medical social sector due to the perceived challenges. But eventually I choose Bright Hill Evergreen Home as my first job after graduating from Polytechnic.
Evergreen: Can you describe your experience working with the elderly residents here?
Jeraldine: Sure! During my initial months working here, I found it difficult to handle the workload and communicate with the elderly. My young age sometimes led me to doubt about my capability. However, with the guidance and support of my experienced colleagues, Niki, Ah Suan, and Ms Bek, I gradually adapted and became more confident in my role.
Evergreen: What are your favourite moment(s) here?
Jeraldine: One of the most enjoyable aspects of working with the elderly here is participating in activities with them, such as the CNY celebration and singing competition, as well as witnessing residents being discharged from the nursing home.
Evergreen: How do you support residents and their families in coping when residents are first admitted?
Jeraldine: Prior to admitting a new resident, we conduct a pre-admission meeting with their family members. During this meeting, we introduce them to the nursing home environment, the services offered, and discuss potential financial assistance if the family is assessed to have financial difficulties.
Evergreen: How about some memorable experience(s) you’ve encountered?
Jeraldine: One particularly memorable experience was during my first year when I successfully discharged a resident back home. Planning the discharge with the resident filled me with excitement and joy. When the day arrived, seeing the resident reunite with his family left me feeling fulfilled in my role. Despite the challenges I faced in arranging the discharge, the support and guidance from my colleagues in different departments was invaluable and without them, I would not have been able to accomplish it alone.
Evergreen: What do you have to say to encourage more young blood like you to join nursing home?
Jeraldine: I used to hear my peers mention that talking/working with the elderly is difficult due to language barrier and they seemed to be difficult to talk to. Because of the way they speak, they can come across aggressive. However, what I’ve learnt through working with them is that sometimes what they want is to have someone be their listening ear, and provide them with a channel to vent out their stress. Interacting with the elderly has provided me with insights that cannot be found in textbooks; they have shared knowledge about Singapore’s history, their experiences growing up in Kampong, and anecdotes about their youth. I believe that younger people can gain valuable wisdom from the elderly by engaging with them and attentively listening to their stories.
