‘I treat every senior as I would a member of my own family’: A home care nurse on finding his calling

R. Subramaniam, 45, has dedicated his career to caring for seniors in their own homes. His path began when he was young, inspired by his cousin and his own experiences with his mother caring for her own grandparents. Subramaniam's own father, diagnosed with lung cancer, was the catalyst for his decision to pursue a career in home care nursing.

Knowing his father had only six months to live, Subramaniam took leave from work to provide care at home, fulfilling his father's wish to pass away peacefully in familiar surroundings.

Now a senior staff nurse with Methodist Welfare Services (MWS), Subramaniam helps patients manage chronic conditions at home and guides families and domestic helpers in recognizing symptoms and providing end-of-life care. He emphasizes the privilege of encouraging family members to take care of the patient at home and shares the fulfilment he finds in caring for others, just as his father inspired him.

Subramaniam's day involves visits to patients' homes lasting 45 minutes to two hours, where he assists with medicine management, wound dressing, and injection administration. Home care patients may take multiple medications daily, and their family members and helpers may not be familiar with these tasks. Subramaniam also provides home hospice care, including pain and shortness of breath management through injections.

Even after a patient's death, some families remain grateful and maintain contact with Subramaniam, attending memorial events to express their appreciation. Subramaniam explains that his job is to help families and helpers identify symptoms and determine when to seek professional advice. He shares an anecdote about a patient with end-stage kidney failure who initially declined further dialysis and later embraced the nursing team's support, resulting in improved quality of life and even cataract surgery.

Community care is crucial for Singapore's aging population, as older adults often have multiple family members managing their own chronic conditions. Subramaniam highlights the importance of community care professionals in easing the strain on families and ensuring seniors receive the care they need in the comfort of their homes. On Community Care Day, Subramaniam encourages gratitude towards these dedicated professionals by personalizing "Thank You" cards.