We remember when our colleague first told us about Mdm N. – how she got agitated at times and would start to throw items at people in the centre. Mdm N.’s daughter would also share with us how she would stay awake throughout the night, to the extent of staying awake every day for 7 consecutive days. As we brainstormed on ideas to keep her engaged in the centre, we kept in mind the importance of incorporating principles of person-centred care in our approaches.

We started by observing her responses and reactions to different situations, and noted down her preferences in her routine at the centre. Mdm N. liked having choice and control over her own needs and wants – she liked to be served first before anyone else (as she has a strong belief that people who work the hardest should be rewarded before the rest), and to be seated at a certain sofa seat every day to watch television while eating her meals.

When we first attempted a simple table-top coloring activity with Mdm N., we realised how much of a meticulous person she was. This was when we decided to enroll her in a weekly art class conducted by a volunteer to provide her with access and opportunity to explore and participate in a novel leisure.

We also celebrated Mdm N.’s birthday with her permission, and approached her to ask about the type of cake that she would like us to prepare for the celebration. She chose a simple banana cake as she did not like the usual cream toppings and decorative fruits that were always on the traditional birthday cakes. After we gathered everyone in the centre (staff, clients, and helper) to sing a birthday song for her, she first showed her shyness and but still smiled and thanked everyone gratefully. Before she left the centre for home, we approached her to give our birthday wishes; she teared and hugged all of us. We were so glad that she felt included and socially connected as part of the AWWA Family in our day care.

On the topic of favourite cakes, we realised that Mdm N. was very experienced in baking. Hence, we arranged for her to help us in baking batches of chocolate chip cookies in preparation as gifts for Christmas celebration. She was delighted to have had the opportunity to engage in such a meaningful activity and worked really hard to ensure the cookies were baked well and aesthetically presentable, so as to fulfil her sense of personal responsibility in her role as the baker for the Christmas gifts.

We are still exploring with her on how she might be interested to participate as a volunteer in the community if given the chance in the future to make an impact in society. Until then, she will always be a treasured member of our AWWA Family.