Murdoch Singapore alumnus Stephanie Tan Chew Hong has found her calling working in eldercare.
Personally inspired by her grandmother, Stephanie is working hard to keep seniors safe during this challenging period. We caught up with her to find out a little more…
What did you study at Murdoch and what do you do now?
BA Psychology (2013). I’m currently working for Care Corner Seniors Services serving in the role of Volunteer and Community Engagement Manager. The role allows me to pioneer community development efforts of Care Corner Seniors Services in certain estates (Toa Payoh, Woodlands and Marsiling) by activating volunteers and partners in the public, private and people sectors to enable seniors to age well in place.
What do you think is Murdoch’s point of difference compared with other universities?
Murdoch offers an extensive course selection and has options for minors in Psychology and other disciplines such as Marketing and Human Resources. This allows students to also explore other career options in these areas.
What drew you to working in the aged care/healthcare sector?
Serving in church with the senior’s ministry and supporting the grief and funeral service ministry has made this transition to work in healthcare/aged care a natural fit. The experience at Murdoch has also taught me to embrace, and have more patience towards, people suffering from mental health stigmas.
After I graduated I was committed to continue to grow deeper in my understanding of the eldercare industry. I’ve been blessed to be able put my education to good use in various areas of my career in dentistry, nursing homes, and social service agencies, to truly bring care to the elderly in the community.
What have been some of the big changes in your line of work given the COVID-19 threat?
Many group engagements and traditional volunteering roles that require in person interaction have been ceased or are restricted. A rising topic about digitalisation in the eldercare industry has been a common conversation amongst eldercare partners.
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the virtual community - #好(How are you?) volunteer online training/gathering session was formed in order to stay connected to existing volunteers (many of whom are seniors themselves). Volunteer roles have also be redesigned to support the ‘new normal’ needs.
Care Corner Seniors Services has also formed COVID-19 taskforces to explore, plan and execute innovative ways to support and care for seniors who are curious, tech savvy, or less so.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
“When things change inside you, things change around you.”
Who inspires you?
As we embrace a new rhythm of work in this crisis, I am encouraged by the group of senior volunteers in Care Corner who have shown resilience and have responded positively to various changes for seniors in this crisis. Via various virtual platforms, the volunteers, with an average age of 60, have been encouraging each other, their clients and staff to stay active and keep safe. Truly, a reflection of the Chinese saying “活到老，学到老” (Live and Learn/ You are never too old to learn).
