Dying-at-home Services
With the Hong Kong government's recent efforts in promoting the "Dying in Place" policy, the concept of dying-at-home has gained more attention and acceptance in the society, leading to increasing demand for such services.
Since 2021, we have partnered with the non-profit organisation Forget Thee Not to provide medical support services for families in need. This service aims to help patients spend their final moments in the comfort and familiarity of their home or care facility, surrounded by loved ones and maintaining dignity at the end of life.
Dr. Tam Yat Hung’s Interview on TV
In June 2024, TVB's "Sunday Report" featured a special segment on this trend, discussing services related to dying-at-home. Dr. Tam Yat Hung was interviewed, sharing his insights and experience with home death services. The production crew followed Dr. Tam as he visited a patient's home, offering a first hand look at the opportunities and challenges of home-based end-of-life care.
Dr. Tam stated, "Often, cases that begin as dying at home turn into long-term home care cases. Our primary task is to visit the patient, assess their condition and determine whether continued home care is feasible."
He further explained, "If needed, we will arrange hospitalisation, even if the patient’s plan is to pass away at home. If there are treatable conditions, we will address them at home."
This highlights the importance of close communication and collaboration between the medical team and the family to ensure the patient receives proper care and emotional support in their final days.
Preparing for Dying at Home
If a client wishes to spend their final days at home or in a care facility, both the patient and family need to be mentally and practically prepared:
- The patient should have a clear desire to remain at home, with support from the family.
- The home must have sufficient caregiving support and be equipped with suitable living conditions and facilities.
- Caregivers should maintain close communication with the medical team, undergo regular evaluations to monitor the patient’s condition and meet care needs.
Collaboration with Forget Thee Not
Since partnering with Forget Thee Not in 2021, we have provided numerous families with essential services, including arranging home visits by doctors to assess the patient's condition, evaluating the feasibility of home care and the capacity of caregivers. Doctor regularly follows up on the client's condition and provide appropriate palliative care and medication to help the patient pass peacefully at home.
We have also set up WhatsApp support groups, allowing caregivers to stay in touch with our medical team, receive timely professional advice and arrange home visits, alleviating caregivers' concerns and stress.
More Information on Our Services
Shoebill Health Care is committed to providing professional medical support, ensuring that you and your loved ones experience comfort and peace during this journey filled with love and dignity. If you would like to learn more about dying at home arrangements, feel free to contact Forget Thee Not to discuss the process.
