25 Years of Impacting Lives

In March 2021, Singapore Hospice Council (SHC) initiated story-telling sessions for the students from Anglo-Chinese Junior College to share a heart-warming story published by SHC with seniors at MWS Senior Centres at four locations. Inspired by a true life story, “Granny Cool” is about how the elderly patient and her granddaughter who was also her caregiver have sought comfort and support through palliative care. The following reflections are written by two student volunteers:

Prior to this experience, I did not have the clearest idea on what exactly palliative care was. Through meeting the staff of SHC, as well as the staff and the residents at MWS Senior Centre, I have gained a better idea on how to tackle difficult questions surrounding death. Furthermore, it was difficult initially to converse with the residents because of the language barrier. However, we were able to overcome this challenge by being open minded and unafraid to seek help from the staff at the Centre. We were keen to listen and learn more about these residents and we genuinely had fun conversing with them.

Ms Pow Shu Qi
Anglo-Chinese Junior College, Student
March 2021

Personally, I have learnt the importance of planning ahead. For example, I never knew that we had to choose a spokesperson to speak for us should we be unconscious or unable to make decisions for ourselves. Overall, this experience not only taught me the importance of thinking for my future, it has also equipped me with skills that I would need to talk about death issues. I also have gained greater confidence now in interacting with our seniors.

Ms Angelina Tan
Anglo-Chinese Junior College, Student
March 2021

The Time Of My Life Journal and Conversation Cards by Singapore Hospice Council (SHC) were useful tools for me to use when broaching the “taboo” topic of death. My family members found them very interesting as a conversation starter and appropriate for a meaningful exchange on the dinner table. In particular, this brought back invaluable memories of my grandma who shared about her experiences working in McDonald’s (she showed us her array of staff badges and collectible memorabilia), shopping at her favourite place – Chinatown, going overseas and taking a hot air balloon ride in Turkey. Of course, not forgetting her favourite food, she absolutely adored fishball noodles, cream puff and bubur cha cha (a sweet dessert made with coconut milk, yam and sago). There were many fond recollections she had of her life. Graduation photos, wedding photos, her iconic poses at various tourist destinations, and most significantly, the family portrait that hangs on the wall of our home, with her beaming brightly and surrounded by her children and grandchildren. In an unfortunate and unexpected twist of events, my grandma passed on just last week due to a cardiac arrest. The loss of a loved one definitely brought great grief to me and my family, yet we took comfort in knowing her life was a fulfilling and enriching one. My grandma’s legacies were carried onto the next generation, as we remembered her as a bubbly and cheery lady. Though she may not have had much of an education, she was always a loving mother and grandmother who worked hard to support the family, taking on numerous odd jobs to supplement her income. This experience really gave me a chance to get to know who my grandma was as a person. An ordinary woman who found pleasure indulging in simple hawker fare, but an extraordinary lady who had selfless love for her children and grandchildren. Truly, the workshop by SHC really hit home after this episode. It is important to have that conversation about death before it is too late.

Ms Nicole Chua
Anglo-Chinese Junior College, Student
20 Jan 2021

Lend Your Voice to Palliative Care (Click To View Campaign Site)

A few weeks ago, I attended a workshop by Singapore Hospice Council (SHC). Death is a taboo topic for Singaporeans and given our strong Asian culture, it is no exception for my family. Therefore it takes a lot of courage to sit my parents down and talk about it. It has taken quite a few days but I was resolved to have that discussion with them. After sitting them down, I realised that the conversation beyond the introduction was easy and smooth sailing. My family is quite realistic and we all know that death happens, it is just a matter of when. Moreover, because it is inevitable, it is important to talk about our dying wishes. During the conversation, I got to learn about my parents’ request at unfortunate times. At the end of the dialogue, I made up an unofficial ‘Advance Care Plan’, which pens out what they want (i.e. Whether they want to continue living if their condition confines them to a vegetative state etc.). We also read the 3 Life Books by SHC given to me, which are great resources to lighten the mood of a dark topic. At the end of the conversation, to my surprise, I felt more bonded with my parents and got to know them much better. This was a good opportunity for me as I know that my decisions will be made on those wishes and I can give them the options that they want as far as possible. This way, life would be worthwhile and death is just another ordinary and less scary step in the circle of life.

Mr Anelka Tay Salam
Anglo-Chinese Junior College, Student
20 Jan 2021

Lend Your Voice to Palliative Care (Click To View Campaign Site)

I got to know about the Singapore Hospice Council (SHC) through a songwriting competition, “Voices of My Heart”, jointly organised by SHC and Lianhe Zaobao (LHZB).

After the competition, I became interested in the activities and programs of SHC and came to know about the “Lend Your Voice to Palliative Care” campaign. Understanding that SHC is celebrating their 25th anniversary this year and considering that I am a singer-songwriter, I felt that I could do my part and lend my voice by volunteering to write a song for SHC’s 25th anniversary.

(Ms Tan Yu Qing was a 3rd prize winner of SHC-LHZB inaugural songwriting competition held at the World Hospice and Palliative Care Day event in October 2019.)

Ms Tan Yu Qing
Youth Songwriter
14 January 2020

Lend Your Voice to Palliative Care (Click To View Campaign Site)

Thank you for publishing the research findings on SMU study which has shown that Singaporeans are more comfortable discussing end-of-life matters. It was a meaningful yet relatable research article for me because my two beloved grandmas went home to be with the Lord in January and July this year. My paternal grandma had received palliative care but my maternal grandma did not.

I would say that the palliative care team was our greatest support. While doctors brought us negative news, we sought comfort in the palliative care doctors because in just a short period of time, they could integrate into our family and helped us to come together as one. The way they talked to the patient, conversations they created with the unconscious were so assuring, allowing us to trust them, and to know that under their care, our beloved grandmother had lived with as little pain as possible. I wished my maternal grandma and family members had experienced the same care and support as well.

Ms Desiree Sim Pei Ling
Lee Kong Chian School of Business, Year 3 Student
15 October 2019

Lend Your Voice to Palliative Care (Click To View Campaign Site)

It is an honour to contribute my story and partner SHC in publishing the “Granny Cool” Life Book. The books are easy to read and understand. Most importantly, it allows readers to know what palliative care is about and helps reach out to families to discuss, act and engage in a person’s last moments in the most meaningful way, bringing the families closer.

Ms Melisa Quek
Caregiver to her late grandma
3 February 2020

I write to compliment the writer, illustrator and the team behind this Life Book, titled “Lawrence of Arabia”. It touches me very much. I will consider serving in a hospice in years to come. Thanks and appreciate your hard work.

Ms Jennifer Lim
Member of the public
15 May 2019

The illustrated piece “Lawrence of Arabia” is tastefully done. This is the type of creative visuals that attracts adults’ attention.

Ms Mina Lim
Deputy Director | St. Andrew’s Senior Care
HEAD | Anglican Senior Centre (Hillview)
22 March 2019

(Click To View E-books)