Mabel Ip

At the age of 72, Mabel Ip began exhibiting uncharacteristic and perplexing behaviour such as sporadic verbal hostility, paranoia and the occasional loss of balance. It was very difficult for her doting husband Ronald. At a day session on dementia organized by Yee Hong’s Caregiver Support Service, her daughter Karen realized that Mabel was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, and doctors confirmed her worst fears.

Through the Caregiver Support programs, Karen learned about Yee Hong’s Special Adult Day Program for Alzheimer’s and post-stroke clients. So she enrolled Mabel. After three years of regular attendance, Mabel became more responsive and interactive. “When mother comes back after Yee Hong’s Adult Day Program, there is a certain sparkle in her eye. There is a significant difference,” says Karen.

But in October 2005, the Ips suffered another heart break. Karen’s father died unexpectedly but peacefully in his sleep at the age of 90. Overnight, Karen and her husband Paul, a childless professional couple, became the primary caregivers to Mabel, who requires 24 hour care and recognizes few faces beyond the immediate family.

While Mabel is on a waiting list for a nursing home, the Adult Day Program continues to be a saving grace for Karen, as well as helpful to her mother. “I get relief from the time my mother gets on the bus until she comes back at 3 pm. Since my father died, she goes there three times a week. I can go to work at the office which sometimes I need to do. The individual attention given by Yee Hong is unbelievable. They take such good care of her.

 “No matter how busy I am I take time to go to the support groups. Every family is different yet there is a connection. Every time I attend a session, I come out relieved, knowing that ‘I’m not alone’.

“Paul and I are very grateful to Yee Hong for seeing us through one of the most challenging times of our lives. We never know what will happen tomorrow. However, we treasure what each day brings, and we are glad that we are able to make a difference in our mother’s life.”