Mr Chiang watches over his 71-year-old wife, who is at the Bright Vision Hospital. He massages her hands, gives her baths and talks to her, waiting patiently for her to one day respond.

Mr Chiang is very grateful to Bright Vision Hospital, a voluntary community organisation, for taking care of his wife following her referral from Changi General Hospital.

The doctors and nurses make frequent checks on Madam Lee, change her diapers, bathe her in the mornings and perform daily physiotherapy on her.

Speaking in Mandarin, Mr Chiang, who has been married to Madam Lee for 50 years, said: 'There are times when I become pessimistic, but when I look at how hard the staff members here work without giving up on my wife, I feel very heartened.'

Started in 2002 by the late president of the Singapore Buddhist Welfare Services, the Venerable Yen Pei, Bright Vision Hospital aims to provide health-care services to the needy and sick.

Most of the patients are admitted through referrals from hospitals. They take patients regardless of race or religion as long as they fulfil the admissions criteria set by the Ministry of Health (MOH).

Of its 270 residents who suffer mental and physical disabilities, around 55 per cent are above the age of 75. One in five residents requires intensive nursing care, which cannot be provided at home.

To meet its running costs, the hospital raises funds through mailers and public donations. The 302-bed facility is also subsidised by MOH. It costs $215 a day to stay there, but 75 per cent of patients pay $45 or less.

Funds are also needed to purchase nursing and rehabilitation equipment, like exercise machines, to help patients, like Madam Tham Yeng Yong, improve their mobility.

The 82-year-old went through intensive rehabilitation following a stroke in November last year that rendered the left side of her body completely numb.

But within three months, Madam Tham had regained nearly full control of her left side and she can now walk with the help of a cane.

Looking forward to going home, Madam Tham said in Mandarin: 'I am lucky that the hospital is helping me to recover quickly.

'But at the same time I will probably miss the staff members here because they have all been so nice and helpful.'

Chief executive officer Chew Hai Chwee said it is important for the patients to feel at home.

Hence on top of the medical team of 70, which includes therapists, pharmacists and medical social workers, there are 60 volunteers who organise weekly activities like karaoke and cooking sessions.

Madam Tham, who is fond of the social activities, said: 'After leaving the hospital, I will probably come back and visit because these people are all my friends already.'

Her sentiments are testimony to the hospital's philosophy of providing 'medical excellence with a heart', Mr Chew said.

leepq@sph.com.sg