MY MOTHER recently spent two weeks in a nursing home as her maid was on leave.

I visited my mother every two days while she was at the home, and saw that I was often the only visitor.

Many people failed to see their loved ones regularly and these old folk must have felt abandoned.

Some of them were living there for the rest of their days. Some among them had no choice as they needed round-the-clock care.

However, it must be sad for them to spend their final days away from their loved ones.

Most of the staff at the home are foreigners and could not communicate well with the largely dialect- speaking residents.

While the staff tried their best in English, most residents could not understand them.

I was glad when my mother returned home after her stay.

Even if we had wanted to put her up at the nursing home long-term, the cost would have been significant, as her two-week stay already cost over $1,000.

Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan's suggestion that Singaporeans place their aged parents in cheaper nursing homes in Malaysia could be re-examined, as local nursing homes are not cheap.

While it may seem cruel to place an aged parent in a nursing home, some families have no choice.

I am glad that my mother is able to live with her loved ones. This is, perhaps, the best we can do for her for now.

Mr Gilbert Goh Keow Wah

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