‘The stench is so unbearable that we almost vomited’: Volunteers clean flat of elderly who has not showered in months

Volunteers clean the cluttered flat of an elderly who has not showered for months

In a Facebook post on Tuesday (30 July), charity organisation Helping Joy shared about their recent decluttering and cleaning efforts along Banda Street in Chinatown.

Volunteers reportedly helped to clean the flat that 74-year-old Uncle Chng was staying in — a poorly maintained 1-room flat.

Rejected multiple approaches from social workers

According to the organisation, Uncle Chng has no friends or immediate family members to rely on for support and has turned down assistance from social workers on many occasions.

However, on Sunday (28 July), the 74-year-old opened his doors to volunteers from Helping Joy.

“When we enter his house, the stench is so unbearable that we almost vomited,” Helping Joy recounted on their Facebook post.

Later as volunteers were checking the water taps, they were shocked to find brownish liquid flowing out, suggesting that Uncle Chng had not showered or washed his clothes for many months.

The unit was also in a state of disarray, with food supplies piled up all over the house.

With donors’ help, folks from Helping Joy helped to refurbish Uncle Chng’s house with new electrical appliances and a new coat of paint.

Volunteers also made personal donations, such as new lighting and clothing, to Uncle Chng.

Apart from successfully cleaning the apartment, the volunteers were also relieved when the 74-year-old agreed to take a shower after the project.

Voluntarily assisting those in need for 12 years

Speaking to MS News, Mr Steven Goh — the founder of Helping Joy — shared that they’ve been carrying out such projects for underprivileged residents since 2012.

He cited Singapore’s ageing population as the main reason for setting up the charity organisation.

Mr Goh also shared that they would receive news about such cases from a variety of sources:

• Social workers from family service centres
• Active ageing centres
• Hospitals
• Members of Parliament
• Agency for Integrated Care Singapore
• Ministry of Social and Family Development
• Members of the public

Apart from decluttering and cleaning houses, the 300 volunteers under Helping Joy also help to befriend elderly residents, provide free meals, and provide “final journey arrangements” for the disadvantaged.

When asked what motivates volunteers to continue participating in Helping Joy’s projects, Mr Goh says they’re like “family and friends” who always have fun together whenever they meet up for activities.

“Of course, our main objective is to help someone in need especially the physically and mentally challenged individuals and low-income families,” he added.