As the nation’s population ages, the need for compassionate, skilled professionals in the Community Care sector has never been greater. These professionals support individuals in their recovery, helping patients regain independence and quality of life.

The Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), in partnership with MOH Holdings (MOHH), offers the Community Care Scholarship to encourage individuals to join this sector. The scholarship aims to attract passionate individuals with the potential to lead and make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

Among them is Cody Chew, an Occupational Therapist with AWWA, whose journey into Community Care began with a simple desire: to make a difference through meaningful human connection.

Discovering Purpose Through Occupational Therapy

For Cody, occupational therapy (OT) is a deeply meaningful career, helping people engage in activities that bring them purpose despite illness or disability. “OT is the perfect balance between science and the humanities — from thinking about a person holistically in terms of their values and story to understanding the anatomy of the human body,” she elaborated.

Before embarking on her professional journey, Cody spent time volunteering and shadowing to gain a clearer understanding of the field. Her experiences, including volunteering at Rainbow Centre and job shadowing an occupational therapist in National University Hospital, reinforced her decision to pursue OT.

A Scholarship That Aligned with Her Calling

Cody first learnt about the Community Care Scholarship on the BrightSparks website. “I regularly browsed the BrightSparks website during my school breaks. That’s when I chanced upon the Community Care Scholarship in 2020 which I had previously not seen before,” she recalled.

Having always been drawn to community work, she recognised that the scholarship aligned perfectly with her aspirations. “Since starting my studies in OT, I’ve always considered working in the community as an option,” she said. “I appreciated that the setting allows me more time with the patients in their recovery journey and also allows me to work with clients in their most natural environment.”

Care Through a Global Lens

Cody pursued a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at The University of Queensland (UQ), where she gained exposure to diverse models of care. “Studying overseas at UQ has prepared me well for the Community Care sector in Singapore,” she highlighted. “Due to how large and spread-out Australia is, the patients often have to rely more on Community Care as opposed to acute hospitals. This has exposed me to a wide variety of services available and creative ways care can be delivered outside the traditional hospital setting.” These experiences encouraged her to think about how Community Care in Singapore could evolve to become more holistic and effective.

Making a Lasting Impact

Today, Cody is part of AWWA’s Therapy Hub, supporting residents in a nursing home. “Each day, I conduct regular reviews and provide tailored interventions to support residents’ individual needs,” she explained.

Her work extends beyond one-to-one therapy sessions. She also runs group activities that foster engagement and social connection, expanding them into interest-based groups such as gardening, arts and crafts, and cooking to make rehabilitation more meaningful and enjoyable.

Cody also contributes to the professional development of therapy aides and healthcare assistants, leading training sessions and quality improvement projects. One such project involved introducing dementia-specific assessments to better tailor activities according to each resident’s level of dementia.

While these initiatives help improve care at a systemic level, it is her direct work with patients that continues to reaffirm her passion for OT. During her time at a community hospital, Cody worked with a young patient with early-onset dementia who was bedbound and admitted for sacral sore wound management. He was mainly receiving maintenance therapy from the rehabilitation team.

“One day, his wife approached me to ask if it would be possible for him to spend some time sitting in a geriatric chair, as he used to enjoy sitting in the living room before his condition worsened,” she shared. Cody trialled the transfer in the hospital, taught his wife and helper how to safely assist him, and recommended appropriate equipment to support the activity at home.

She reflected on the impact of this simple intervention: “Even though he could only sit for about 20 minutes, it meant a lot to both him and his wife,” she recounted. “It allowed them to share small, familiar moments together again. Witnessing how something so simple could bring comfort and dignity reminded me why I chose this profession, to enable people to participate in the moments that matter most to them.”

Values That Guide Her Practice

When asked what keeps her grounded, Cody emphasised humility and empathy. “One of the most important lessons I’ve learned caring for my clients is that at the end of the day, it’s their life that they are living and we’re actually just a small part of it,” she said. “They are the ones experiencing their conditions every day, and they have the right to make choices about their care. We are here to support and guide, not run their lives.”

She also emphasised the importance of collaboration and continuous learning. Being part of AWWA’s Therapy Hub has allowed her to practise in diverse settings — from day care and rehabilitation centres to community hospitals and nursing homes. “This exposure has helped me understand the care journey more holistically and appreciate the experiences of clients across different points of their recovery,” she added.

A Path Worth Taking

For those considering a career in OT or Community Care, Cody’s advice is heartfelt. “I would say go for it!” she encouraged. “Being an occupational therapist in the community is incredibly fulfilling as you get to make a big difference in clients’ lives and even small changes can bring a big impact. As long as you have the heart to serve and the willingness to learn from others, it will not be a path that you regret.”