Caregiving for the dying requires sacrifice and commitment. If a loved one is under hospice care, it can take a toll on the entire family especially on the caregiver.

Ms Rohana Binte Ahmad was a hospice cancer patient when she was 55. She was diagnosed with pancreatic head cancer and with liver metastases.

Ms Rohana was attended by the Khoo Teck Puat Hospital’s palliative team. The team then referred her to the SCS Hospice Care team. Upon discharge, SCS seamlessly settled them at home and worked with her niece Ms Eslinda Hamzah to help them better cope with the situation.

“What struck us most about the team was the immediate bond that we were able to form. We were heartened by their consistent, tireless will to always go the extra mile, above and beyond the call of duty for my aunt and family. The SCS Hospice Care team provided symptoms control, emotional, social and spiritual support. That level of dedication from them led us to better appreciate our extraordinary healthcare workers and the depth of work they do for our society,” said Ms Eslinda.

The team was empathetic, assuring and showed encouragement for Ms Rohana and her family throughout. As a caregiver, Ms Eslinda’s confidence level to take care of Ms Rohana increased with the support received. Simple acts such as sitting by Ms Rohana’s side when she needed some personal time meant the world to her as she felt supported.

The team attended to all the family needs ensuring that Ms Rohana lived with dignity with the least suffering till the last day of her life. They also helped the family in accepting the reality giving closure.

“SCS Hospice Care team became an integral part of our lives as we experienced this journey with my aunt till she passed away earlier this year. We are eternally grateful to each one of them and everyone else who played a part in it”, added Ms Eslinda.