With a population that is ageing and increasingly burdened with non-communicable diseases, what happens when an older adult needs a full-time caregiver and that role is taken up by their spouse - also a senior themself?  We speak to Monica Voon, who found herself in that situation after her husband was diagnosed with Guillain–Barré syndrome. She shares the challenges she faced in ensuring her husband’s needs and care were met, as well as how her own well-being was affected. We also hear from Professor Nathan Vytialingam, Honorary Fellow, World Federation of Occupational Therapists, about the support that older caregivers need in Malaysia. 

NCD Chronicles is a series about people living with NCDs, going beyond the diagnosis to explore their personal experiences, their challenges, as well as the impact of their health condition on their loved ones. These stories reveal the importance of understanding the unique struggles and needs of the individuals behind the disease, in our response to the NCD epidemic.

Produced by: Tee Shiao Eek, Lim Sue Ann

Presented by: Lim Sue Ann

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Categories:  managing disease

Tags:  therapist,  the bigger picture,  health & living,  ncdchronicles,  autoimmune disease,  older adults,  elderly,  caregiver,  mental health,  non-communicable disease,  allied health,  disability,  beyondthediagnosis,