On 3 and 5 August 2022, a student-led group named Restful Retreat from Anglo Chinese School (Independent) organised a two-session advocacy programme to raise awareness among youths about the importance of palliative care and end-of-life conversations. At the first session, Singapore Hospice Council’s (SHC) Executive Director, Ms Sim Bee Hia, introduced palliative care by sharing […]
Raising awareness of the palliative care option Read More »
Memories come in fanciful flavours for one palliative patient at Outram Community Hospital who reminiscences about old times through the taste of his self-made festive delicacy. “I can’t wait to taste them,” said Mr Tan gleefully. He began to gently place filling in the centre of the mould followed by a spoonful of agar-agar on
A taste from the past Read More »
An art therapist’s encounter with a patient was able to help him leave with peace of mind. I received an urgent request to see a particular patient, whom I shall call Ah Seng for this story. The doctors were unsure how many more days Ah Seng would have and wanted to ensure he got a
Giving space and time Read More »
Helping a patient in his prime say a last farewell takes a different touch, as the Assisi Hospice care team shared. For a young patient in the prime of his life, bidding farewell to his loved ones when facing a life-limiting illness has its unique challenges, as the care team from Assisi Hospice shares how
Cherish what you have Read More »
Angjolie Mei, founder of The Life Celebrant, stresses the importance of deciding on your final farewell details early so that your loved ones can carry out your wishes with certainty. An old man who was dying of cancer once came to me, with two of his three sons, to discuss his funeral. In fluent Mandarin,
Planning your own funeral brings peace Read More »
The Singapore Cancer Society Psychosocial Services and Hospice Team supports the terminally ill in living out their life narratives in unique and creative ways. Death and terminal illnesses can be difficult topics to navigate. A 2014 Lien Foundation study 1 found that 45% of respondents said that not knowing how to broach such topics is
Authoring life chapters Read More »
Advance Care Planning discussions ensured that the healthcare team fulfils the personal care goals of palliative patients. It has been three days since Madam C’s funeral ended and Medical Social Worker (MSW) Goei Wen Yang wondered how her faithful husband was coping with his loss. He could still recall the love they have shown during
When patients in palliative wards bring up their imminent passing, they are often propelled not by fear of death but a wish to be informed so that they can plan for the remaining days and seek closures till life ends. Healthcare workers in the palliative wards sometimes find themselves being asked by their patients: “Am
From acceptance to closure Read More »
Three Singapore Hospice Council volunteers share their views on end-of-life care planning and why it matters. When you or your loved ones are faced with life-limiting illnesses, having plans and documents in place which reflect one’s choices, values and beliefs can help to provide a definitive peace of mind. It is key that we talk
Plan well to leave well Read More »
Participating is restricted to individuals above 18 years old due to safety reasons.
