Ms Lin Kan-hoi’s mother is one of the elderly residents who has participated in the Programme. In the past, Ms Lin and her mother grew very tired of the futile treatment Ms. Lin’s father endured as a patient suffering from terminal illness in hospital. When her mother learned there was an alternative for the elderly residents with terminal illness, she was very pleased to join the Programme. 

 

‘In the care home setting, elderly patients can enjoy more personalised care from a core team of medical professionals. The doctor and nurse of the Programme visited my mother on a regular basis and the staff of the care home closely monitored the condition of her health. When she was bedridden and had difficulty swallowing, nursing care was enhanced to reduce the risk of pneumonia. I stayed with my mother throughout her final days, cherishing every minute together in a private room,’ said Ms Lin.

 

Promoting End-of-life Care in Hong Kong’s Residential Homes
 

Since 2010, the Palliative Care in Residential Care Homes for the Elderly Programme has been dedicated to promoting palliative care in local residential homes. Achievements include the following:

 

In the next three years, the Programme will further raise public awareness on end-of-life care through public education and develop caring networks in the community to put the concept of ‘Compassionate Community’ into practice.