Ada Chua
HCA Volunteer

To Ada, food is about memories, feelings, emotions. This has been something the HCA volunteer has witnessed firsthand over the past two years.

She once served a patient with advanced stage Alzheimer's a beverage she had prepared with old ginger, red dates, and dried longan. After taking a sip, the patient began to cry, whispering "my wife, my wife." His accompanying helper explained that the patient's wife used to make that very drink for him. This touching moment underscored for Ada the deep emotional connection that food can evoke.

Ada's journey with HCA Hospice began when her brother was referred to its home palliative care program. She was impressed by the support the team provided, not just to her brother, but to their entire family. The medical social worker regularly visited and took the time not only engage with the brother, but to also talk to Ada's mother, understanding the importance of also supporting her through those difficult moments. So, when her mother needed palliative care, Ada specifically requested HCA Hospice to the referring doctor.

Six months after her mother passed away, Ada decided to channel her time into something meaningful that she would be passionate about. She soon became one of the early volunteers at the newly opened Oasis@Outram in 2022 and has since found her place in the kitchen, where her cooking has become a source of comfort and joy for the patients.

She recalls serving garlic bread to another patient who became motivated to develop his baking skills. Using his SkillsFuture credits, he completed a course and wanted to undergo an apprenticeship with Ada. She immediately agreed. "Despite all he was going through, he still had the desire to learn a new skill and share it with friends and family. This really moved me," Ada shares.

"Coming in each day and knowing that it might be the last time a patient tastes my food, motivates me to do my best. Everyone looks out for each other in HCA; even patients check in to make sure I've eaten. This shows me how much they appreciate and care for everyone. This makes all the difference," Ada says with a smile.