S3419C Active Ageing & Elderly Care Assignment Report: Madam Tan Case Study on Health, Nutrition & Fall Prevention, Singapore

Case Profile: Madam Tan

Madam Tan is a 70-year-old retired cleaner who lives alone in a 3-room flat. She has two grown children who live separately and have limited time to visit due to work and family commitments. Since retiring, she has remained fully mobile and independent in her activities of daily living, though she tends to stay indoors most of the time to watch television. Her social circle has diminished over the years, particularly after the passing of her husband, and she has occasional feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Her medical history includes hypertension where her recent blood pressure is at 148/95 mmHg, arthritis and joint degeneration which likely exacerbated by a genetic predisposition and her overweight status. She has pain and pressure sensation in her feet due to her diabetic condition. Hence, she has to wear loose-fitting slippers.

Madam Tan frequently eats at the neighbourhood coffee shops, often choosing chicken rice or fried carrot cake. Her diet consists of high intake of fat and sodium, with low consumption of fruits, vegetables, and calcium-rich foods. She dislikes dairy products, which limits her calcium intake.

She was recently admitted to the A&E department after a fall in her home bathroom, resulting in hip and wrist fractures, which are consistent with underlying osteoporosis and impaired balance.