Introduction

Besides providing assistance to the needy in the dark corners of the society, Tzu Chi also extends its care to welfare homes and institutions such as mental health centre, old folks home, leprosy home and hospitals. All these years, Tzu Chi volunteers pay visits to the patients and residents regularly without fail. Works include cleaning and tidying their living environment, feeding, haircut service, spiritual care and entertainment programmes to cheer them up.  There are currently 8 institutions where Tzu Chi provides schedule visits. The spirit of great love manifested by the volunteers has not only warmed the hearts of the destitute but has also earned recognition from the respective institutions and the society at large.

Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital

Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital (KWS) is a charitable organization committed to providing quality healthcare to the sick and needy in Singapore.  

Our Tuesday service at Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital began in 1991. Most of the patients are bereaved old folks. Every week, Tzu Chi volunteers would be there to assist the nurses by feeding and giving company to the patients, bringing joy and warmth to their hearts.

HCA Day Care Centre

The HCA (Hospice Care Association) Day Care Centre which is adjacent to Tan Tock Seng Hospital is a charity establishment sponsored by the Ministry of Health & National Council of Social Service to take care of the terminally ill cancer patients. Tzu Chi volunteers started visiting the patients in the centre twice monthly since September 2000. Through various activities that bring cheers and laughter to the otherwise still atmosphere, the volunteers sincerely accompany the patients through to their last days.

Sun Love Home

Sun Love Home is a 208-bedded nursing home for psychiatric patients. The Home offers rehabilitative programs, from daily supervision to psychotherapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and medical treatment.
An asylum may be a place of unpleasant suffering, but it is also a place where love and care could come in to help. During the monthly visits, the volunteers would engage patients in games and group dynamic to reinforce positive interaction with them.

Institute of Mental Health / Woodbridge Hospital

Established 77 years ago, the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) is now a 2,425-bed acute tertiary psychiatric hospital located on a sprawling 30-hectare campus called Buangkok Green Medical Park, in Buangkok View. Despite the social stigma associated with psychiatric patients, Tzu Chi volunteers entered the hospital in Nov 2003 and since began monthly visit to the patients at Block 6.  With compassion and action, Tzu Chi volunteers hope to relieve the depressed souls and bring lights to their otherwise gloomy lives.