SINGAPORE: A family is asking for support after their grandmother, Rani Soetjiati, suffered a severe stroke at the age of 92. 

Rani has always been there for her family, taking care of them for many years now. However, due to the unfortunate incident, she is now in hospital, unable to move or speak, and her family is facing difficulties in providing the care she needs. 

As Rani’s loved ones face this difficult time, they are reaching out for help and support. 

Who is Rani Soetjiati? 

Rani Soetjiati, who moved to Singapore decades ago, became more than just a caregiver to her family– she became their home. With all that she had, she provided love, care, and support, always putting others first without ever asking for anything in return. Even as she grew older and faced her own health challenges, Rani continued to give to her family willingly and selflessly. 

However, living in the city-state on a long-term visit pass, Rani is not a Singapore citizen and, therefore, not eligible for most financial aid programmes. Her family is truly heartbroken to see the woman who dedicated nearly half of her life to them unable to receive the help she desperately needs during this critical time. 

What happened to Rani?

On February 5, 2025, Rani was taken to the Changi General Hospital for what seemed like a mild lung infection. At first, the doctors said that she was stable. But on Feb 8, everything had changed. 

Rani’s family got a call from the nurse saying that they had rushed her for an emergency CT scan because she had suffered a stroke– a major one. 

The family did not know exactly what caused the stroke— whether it was her heart condition or the lung infection– but they do know that the strong and independent woman who always took care of them was no longer herself. Rani was then moved to the Acute Stroke Unit and later to the geriatric ward, where she now needs full-time care.