Care for the Elderly in the time of Reunion of the Mid-Autumn Festival

Sleeping only 3 Hours per day, Caring for his Sick Wife Alone

‘Meilin, take your time to eat. How is it?’ said Mr Ho. Though he appears to be rough and tough, Mr Ho is surprisingly gentle when he cares for his wife who is suffering from dementia.

In 2014, Mrs Ho was unfortunately diagnosed with dementia. The pair has no children, so Mr Ho took care of all the housework in addition to nursing Mrs Ho. To better care for his wife, he gave up his lucrative job and became a night-shift security guard. He works day and night, sleeping only three hours each day.

Lack of Knowledge and Skills Leads to Stress

Dementia is a disease of decline in brain function. It affects the patient’s memory, judgment, emotions, and behaviours. Early symptoms are not obvious and thus not easily spotted – this is the case of the Ho family.

The pair has been married for over 30 years. Mr Ho sees Mrs Ho as an independent and clever lady. But as they lack knowledge of the disease, they dismissed Mrs Ho’s irritated moods as menopause symptoms. After the diagnosis, Mr Ho took a long time to adapt to the drastic change and to learn about the disease and the caregiving skills. A task as simple as walking up the stairs can be extremely challenging for patients and caregivers.

Social Services play Vital Roles in Overcoming Caregiving Challenges

To care for his wife, Mr Ho sacrificed his personal space and time. As he continued to struggle through the draining and lonely routine, he became exhausted physically and mentally without being aware of it. Earlier this year, he took Mrs Ho to see the dentist. But as she cannot express herself and was troubled with emotional and behavioural problems, the consultation sessions were futile. Later on, with the help of The Salvation Army Tai Po Integrated Services for Senior Citizen, they were introduced to a suitable dental service.

After learning about their circumstances, the Service team immediately provided suitable resources and support based on their needs, such as daytime caring service to give Mr Ho some breathing room. They also introduced him to the Caregivers’ Mutual-help Group and Self-management Courses, where he gained companions in the difficult times, realising that his needs are also important. Caregivers have to care for themselves first before they can care for others.

Monetary Donation

Mooncake Donation (List of mooncake collection depots)

You are cordially invited to continue to support the Mooncake Collection. Please donate mooncakes to the following collection depots of The Salvation Army in the below time period.

• Hong Kong Collection period: 1 August to 22 September 2023
• Macau Collection period: 1 August to 22 September 2023
• Opening Hours: The opening hours of each collection depot may vary. Please call the collection depots before visiting the depots for donation.

Remarks:

Mooncakes with individual packaging and mooncake vouchers are welcome. Due to food safety concerns, snow skin mooncakes, ice-cream mooncakes, vouchers for snow skin mooncake, expired mooncakes, and mooncakes that are not individually packaged will not be accepted.

Mid-Autumn Festival Charity Sale 2023

The proceeds will be used to support the Army to purchase daily necessities and food, and to organise Community Care Activities for elderly, street sleepers, and low-income families. You can enjoy tea with mooncakes while bringing people in need LOVE and CARE at the same time!

‘Ying Kee Tea House‘ mini tea gift set include:
Chinese Tea Mini Gift Set
Charity price HK$30 (1 pack of 5g Oolong)

Chinese Tea Premium Gift Set
Charity price HK$80 (1 pack of 35g Jasmine or 35g Oolong)

(Gift sets are available while stocks last)