The world of Tzu Chi April 2021 (Vol.133)

2021 • 04 42 T zu Chi Malacca received second-hand medical assistive equipment donated by the public and gave them new uses. Volunteers inspected each sick bed carefully and then repair, clean and disinfect them before lending them to patients who are recuperating at home, or giving them to nursing homes. Yap Bee Bee, a single lady, quit her job four years ago to take care of her aged mother with dementia. Being in her 90s, her mother’s health is deteriorating and she also suffers from severe incontinence and bed sores due to prolonged stay in bed. When Bee Bee called Tzu Chi to enquire if there was a sick bed for rent, she was surprised to learn that Tzu Chi was lending them for free despite the high prices of sick beds. Volunteers attended to her request promptly, and within two days, the sick bed was ready. Knowing that she has to take care of her mother alone, volunteer Ten Chee Hean thoughtfully arranged for the bed to be delivered to her home, along with an inflatable mattress to help prevent and alleviate bed sores. On March 10, three male volunteers helped Bee Bee dismantle and remove the old bed. They then cleaned the floor before installing the sick bed. Meanwhile, two other female volunteers kept Bee Bee company. Their kindness surprised Bee Bee, who thanked them profusely. Bee Bee confided in the volunteers her feelings of having to take care of her mother 24 hours a day. At night, she could only sleep on the recliner chair in the living room. Empathizing with Bee Bee’s circumstances as a patient’s family, and that she needs an outlet to relieve her feelings and to feel supported, the volunteers introduced her to fellow volunteers living around the community so that they could care for her in the future. Upon learning from Chee Hean about Master Cheng Yen, the founder of Tzu Chi, and that the volunteers carry out their work without getting paid, Bee Bee was deeply moved. She donated the recyclables she had collected at home, a second-hand crutch and some money to Tzu Chi, hoping to pass on the kindness and help families in need. Malacca 10.03.2021 Report and photo by Julie Yen Yu Chu Medical Bed Delivered to Home ocal News Translated by Chung Chin Sei Watch video news