Ms Rachel Lim

Rachel is an experienced occupational therapist and gerontology practitioner who has pioneered innovative models of community care that empower seniors to remain independent, safe and engaged in the community.

In 2022, Rachel spearheaded Singapore's first Reablement Programme, integrating health and social care to help seniors achieve personally meaningful goals while reducing care needs and service reliance. Over three years, the programme supported 158 seniors, with 96.7% achieving at least one personal goal and more than 80% improving in functional independence and well-being. The programme has since secured funding to support further development and sector-wide scaling.

Rachel also strengthened community-based support for seniors through the expansion of the Safe Home Scheme, an occupational therapy-led home modification service that has supported over 1,000 seniors. More than 90% of seniors reported improved participation and confidence in performing Activities of Daily Living safely following home modifications. In addition, she collaborated with engineers to develop a customised home-based hydraulic lifter for a senior living with longstanding mobility challenges. The innovation enabled overcoming a significant barrier to community access and enhancing the senior's participation in essential activities beyond the home.

Rachel is also a passionate people developer and educator. She has trained hundreds of nursing and occupational therapy students, developed staff capability frameworks, and championed mature workers by creating opportunities for them to take on more complex roles. She is also leading efforts to embed reablement principles across home care services.

Her contributions have gained national recognition, including the Healthcare Humanity Award 2017 and the Silver Award at the AIC Community Care Excellence Awards 2025.