Mdm Jumiati

Mdm Jumiati's world turned upside down when her husband had a stroke and was admitted to a nursing home. As his primary caregiver, she struggled with anxiety over the sudden change, which worsened when her mobility restrictions meant she could no longer care for him. 

When her husband passed away, Mdm Jumiati felt "half of herself was gone." The overwhelming grief triggered emotional numbness, leaving her disconnected from her feelings and the world around her. 

Later, she was diagnosed with lymphoma after noticing frequent fevers and drastic weight loss. It was only after going through several chemotherapy sessions that her suppressed emotions finally surfaced—the grief of losing her husband set in with intense longing. 

Her turning point came through consistent counselling with Lina, a senior counsellor from Tsao Foundation. Having a safe space to share her bottled-up emotions provided relief, whilst professional counselling helped her reconnect with cherished memories of her husband rather than focusing on his absence. 

Having devoted years as a caregiver herself, Mdm Jumiati found that her desire to care for others remained strong. She now hopes to be a listening ear for fellow seniors facing difficult times, offering the quiet emotional support that she herself had once needed.  

Community Chest funds social service programmes like those from Tsao Foundation, providing critical counselling services that help seniors rebuild their lives with dignity.  Mdm Jumiati's journey shows that with consistent support and space to heal, seniors can rediscover dignity and purpose in life.