102-year-old wants to remain independent post hip surgery
FOR most of her life, centenarian Chai Yow Cham has kept herself busy.
She was even tending the till at her family’s sundry business in Kampung Bukit Tinggi, Pahang, before a fall left her with a fractured hip.
Her granddaughter Lee Pui Yee, 37, said Chai remained sharp and independent despite her age. Chai turned 102 on May 3.
Before the fall, she could move around (with the aid of a walking stick), do light chores and help at the sundry shop.
“If someone pays the wrong amount, she will notice,” said Lee.
“She is very independent and does not like to be a burden to others.”
The fall happened recently at her home, when Chai was at the porch keeping laundry before the rain.
She thought it was a minor injury but then discovered that she could not get up.
“I was not scared, but I felt like I had no energy to get up.
“I did not know that I actually had broken a bone,” said Chai, who is hard of hearing but communicates with her granddaughter’s assistance.
Chai’s son Ho Ah Wah, 67, who lives in the same house, said family members attempted to carry her to the car, but stopped when they realised that any movement caused her severe pain.
They then called for an ambulance.
Lee said Chai was initially reluctant to undergo surgery, citing her age.
“After we explained that the operation could enable her to walk and she would not feel the pain, she agreed to it.”
Lee said there were almost 30 family members in the hospital waiting room during the operation.
“We were very worried. The doctor said it would take about an hour, but when it took longer, we became even more worried,” she said.
Orthopaedic and trauma surgeon Dr Jeffrey Jaya Raj, from Sunway Medical Centre in Selangor, said Chai suffered a neck-of-femur fracture, a type of hip fracture affecting the weight-bearing part of the bone.
He said Chai was generally well for her age, as she was alert, mobile and had been able to manage many daily activities before her fall.
Dr Jeffrey said Chai underwent a partial hip replacement to support early mobilisation and improve overall function following the injury.
He highlighted that elderly patients left bedridden after hip fractures could face complications such as bed sores and pneumonia.
Following surgery, Chai received medical supervision for her recovery and mobilisation.
Lee said her grandmother was initially afraid to stand, but was encouraged to do so.
“When she managed to stand, all of us felt relief.”
She said relatives took turns visiting and supporting Chai during her recovery.
“At least 10 relatives were here every day,” she said, adding that the incident brought cousins and other relatives closer as they arranged shifts to accompany Chai and supported one another.
Dr Jeffrey said, “A strong support system can play an important role in encouraging an elderly patient’s recovery.”
Ho said the family planned to make changes at home to reduce the risk of another fall, including improving bathroom safety and adding support rails where needed.
Chai said her aim was simple – to remain as independent as possible.
