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The end-of-life journey touches beyond the individual, deeply impacting families and their cherished memories together. In this second part, our staff, patient and caregiver share poignant stories of special shared moments, underscoring the personal and emotional significance of making the end-of-life journey a dignified and heartfelt experience.
“It is always a mix of emotions as I journey with patients through their last stage of life.”
Adeline Tan, Medical Social Worker
As the primary source of emotional support, Adeline’s journey with patients and caregivers through the end of life process can feel like an emotional rollercoaster.
She uses humour to uplift spirits, lightening the mood with playful banter. Each family’s unique situation requires her to continuously develop personalised care approaches. When a patient’s condition rendered it necessary for him to sleep apart from his wife for the first time, Adeline joked that she could share his small hospital bed. Ultimately, his wife placed another bed beside him – a practical solution that ensured her comfort and a reassurance that their love could endure even under challenging circumstances.
Despite their stable conditions, some patients pass on before she can visit them again. “I view each visit as possibly the last, and being able to see them again is a gift,” Adeline reflects. “I always want to do my best for them.” Amidst these emotional storms, she finds solace in seeing the resilience displayed by families as they bravely face difficult circumstances.
Adeline hopes to continue standing in solidarity with her patients and families, sharing both laughter and tears along the way.
Adeline offers patients comfort through reassuring words and a warm smile
“Just like my patients’ parents, I care for the young ones deeply. I treat them like they are my own children”
Khairunisa Binte Selamat, Senior Palliative Care Nurse, Star PALS
Managing palliative care for paediatric patients presents unique and immense challenges. Khairunisa – affectionately known as Nisa to her colleagues and patients – truly understands this.
Her patients range from newborns to young adults, many of whom are unable to express their needs. In this line of work, a close partnership with caregivers is necessary, and Nisa works collaboratively with them, guiding them through critical care decisions.
Driven by her love for children, and she brings boundless compassion to every patient. During home visits, she assists families with symptoms management and provides a listening ear to parents navigating this challenging journey. Beyond her nursing responsibilities, Nisa also honours the wishes of her patients such as arranging a staycation for a family despite the complexities of managing a feeding pump, ventilator and oxygen therapy for their child.
A short staycation, a lifetime of memories: Nisa (in pink) and her team fulfilled a family’s wish to go on a family trip
“My husband and I exchanged this emoji frequently, and HCA helped me remember the good times with him“
Mdm Chong, caregiver of a former home care patient
Food was Mdm Chong and Mr Chang’s love language, a bond they cherished through their culinary adventures. When her lifelong partner was advised to seek palliative care, she was in disbelief.
Mr Chang, who was twice her size, required round-the-clock medical attention. Managing his needs alone proved extremely challenging, and the strain eventually took a toll on her. She found relief in the respite care services arranged by her medical social worker, which provided her a much-needed break. More importantly, it allowed her time to buy his favourite food, which made the moments they spent together more meaningful.
In collaboration with another organisation, HCA organised a feast of Mr Chang’s favourite seafood dishes at home in celebration of his life well-lived. Mdm Chong was deeply moved and invited the HCA care team to join them as a show of gratitude for bringing light into their darkest hours.
Mr Chang passed away peacefully a few weeks later at home, as he had wished. Mdm Chong finds solace in the warmth of those final moments together.
Mr Chang and Mdm Chong enjoying a seafood feast at home, a cherished memory made possible by the support that honoured his wish to spend his final journey at home
