About Christina: Care That Never Retires
Jun 11, 2026
Christina’s journey with Yong-en Care Centre began when she was 51 years old, a stage in life when her two daughters had already grown up, and she found herself with space to begin something new after being a housewife for a decade.
She began a new chapter in life, one that would grow into a 20-year journey of care.
She was introduced to Yong-en through a cousin, and what began as curiosity soon became a meaningful career in the Dementia Day Care Centre, which was still developing its services in those early years in 2002. Many of the seniors were familiar neighbourhood residents, including “ma jies” who came not only for care, but also for companionship and daily activities like mahjong.
“We would pick them up from Block 5 Banda Street,” she recalled. “Many of them came mainly to play mahjong. That was what made them happy.”
Christina quickly found purpose in the work. Beyond daily care, she learned how to engage seniors living with dementia, building trust, offering comfort, and creating moments of connection through simple activities. Her warmth and steady presence soon made her a familiar figure in the centre. Both helpers to the seniors and younger colleagues affectionately called her “Mommy,” a reflection of her naturally motherly nature.
“She is very cheerful and very motherly,” a colleague shared. “She always looks out for everyone.”
Over more than 20 years, Christina grew alongside Yong-en as it strengthened its dementia care services. She often described her work as meaningful, not because it was easy, but because it constantly challenged her to learn and adapt.
“I started when I was 51 and all I knew back then was caring for my children and being a housewife,” she said. “My children were already grown up, so I wanted to do something useful in my life. I went ahead to apply for the job first then I informed my husband.” Christina chuckled.
She found joy in small but meaningful moments whenever a senior responded to an activity, smiled, or felt at ease in her presence. One memory that stayed with her was Mary, a senior she cared for daily over a decade, and whom she also saw gradually decline after her husband passed away.
After retiring in 2023, Christina returned the following year as a locum care associate.
“I missed the seniors,” she said simply. “I feel so happy knowing that some of them still remember me.”
Today, she is also an active member of Yong-en’s Active Ageing Hub, attending classes, learning new skills, joining craft activities, and going on excursions with fellow seniors.
“I enjoy learning new things,” she said. “And it is nice to go out together with other seniors.”
Christina’s journey reflects a full circle of care, from caregiver to retiree, and now active ageing participant, a life rooted in the same community she has grown with for more than two decades.
For her, Yong-en has never been just a workplace, but a place she continues to belong to, in every stage of life.
Featured in the news
