Mr Chua Thiam Hock, the second eldest in a family of eight children, was once a man with a singular mission when he first arrived at the Lodge – to find a way back to the life he knew. He viewed the Lodge as nothing more than a temporary place to stay, frequently asking to be discharged.

In those early days, Mr Chua adamantly resisted the idea of sleeping in his room. He preferred the dining area chair, a familiar choice due to his lifelong habit of communal sleeping. Day in and day out, he roamed the facility, choosing not to participate in any activities.

However, in time, Mr Chua's outlook began to shift. His newfound camaraderie with Mr Chia, his roommate, gradually led him to embrace the comfort of his own room. He also grew more at ease with the care staff, participating wholeheartedly in various activities. The complaints about returning home diminished, and instead, he enthusiastically notified staff when he felt like strolling in the garden with other residents. He even extended a helping hand by assisting staff to bring wheelchair-bound residents for their garden walks. Mr Chua started to recognize the value of the community at the Lodge.

A particularly cherished activity for Mr Chua is the Toast Hut initiative – a delightful journey into his past as a coffee shop drink stall assistant. Fond memories returned as he expertly prepared coffee and toasted bread. The opportunity to co-facilitate this activity, complete with a uniform common among olden day coffee shop assistants, instilled a profound sense of accomplishment. The genuine compliments he received for his coffee-making skills further boosted his confidence.

In March 2023, Mr Chua's potential caught the eye of staff. Encouraged by their warm support, he started to participate in Assisted Living (AL) activities despite being in a later Supported Living (SL) profile. Initial reluctance soon gave way to enjoyment, and he eagerly shared his experiences with Mr Chia. In fact, Mr Chia was so inspired by Mr Chua's transformation that he too expressed a desire to join the AL activities.

Through his journey, Mr Chua evolved from a reluctant resident to an engaged, active, and inspiring member of the Lodge. His story serves as a testament of the power of resilience, friendship, and the nurturing support of a caring community.