Three years in the making, the care remodelling project at MWS Bethany Nursing Home – Choa Chu Kang was formally unveiled on 26 Aug 2022.  

The event was graced by Guest-of-Honour Rev Dr Gordon Wong, Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore; Dr Gerard Ee, Chairman of Agency for Integrated Care (AIC); and Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, Member of Parliament for Chua Chu Kang GRC (Keat Hong).  

MWS CEO Junie Foo kick-started the event by sharing with the 70-plus attendees the design thinking approach behind the remodelling. With ‘family’ at its heart, the Care Remodel aims to make the Nursing Home more home-like and dementia-friendly, while delivering person-centred and resident-directed care.  

Every resident at MWS Bethany is a member of a ‘family’ unit with its own dedicated care staff – an arrangement intended to foster familiarity and consistent care. The philosophy of the Care Remodel considers individual needs and preferences, such as preferred attire, mealtimes and activities to engage in. Having choices like these restore residents’ dignity and sense of independence.  

As well, a dedicated Community Space and curated programmes allow residents to engage with volunteers and the community, creating an extended ‘family’. 

Visitors were given a guided tour of the grounds, abuzz with activity, from professional hairdressers giving residents free haircuts to games in the Rehabilitative Gym and music therapy in the Residences. There was also a ceiling hoist demonstration and a tour of the sensory garden. At ground level, a therapy dog named Shalom provided comfort and companionship to residents, who could pet and feed her.