Every day is a busy day for Noraini Binte Hamid. Her typical day involves sending her niece and nephew, aged 5 and 6, to and from kindergarten, grocery shopping, cooking for her family, and taking care of her 3-year-old niece and her younger brother who has a severe intellectual disability. When her late mother, who was a double below-the-knee amputee, was alive, Noraini also cared for her.

Noraini sending and fetching her niece and nephew to and from school

These are not easy tasks for any caregiver, let alone Noraini, who has asthma, eczema and hereditary sensory polyneuropathy, a condition that causes a decreased ability to move or feel because of nerve damages. She has had multiple surgeries on her left foot and eventually had her left big toe amputated in 2012. Since then, she has developed an unsteady gait and walks with a limp. She can only walk short distances within her home, using the walls and windows as support and she can no longer continue her work as a security guard. Now, she uses a motorised scooter whenever she is out.

Ms Noraini using the customised ramp sponsored by a construction company at her HDB flat

Although Noraini has mobility difficulties, she does not see herself as one who needs care. She is independent and sees herself as a contributing member of her family. She expresses her love and devotion for her family through her acts of service. By taking care of her nieces and nephew, she provides support to her younger sister who is coping with the grief of marital separation.

In spite of their many challenges in life and lacking finances, Noraini and her family remain optimistic and show care and concern towards one another. For Noraini, she is contented that she could be of help to her family, despite being a person with disabilities.

Lunch time at Noraini’s