The lived experience of older Chinese Singaporeans with life-threatening illnesses in a inpatient hospice

Abstract

This paper reports a study of 15 participants with life-threatening illnesses staying in an inpatient hospice. The essence of their experience was categorized into nine themes: defining hospice for the older Chinese participant; burden of others; control and distress from being dependent; worry about family; dislike of hospital stay; fear of pain and suffering; being the voice of others – impact on communication; culture barrier; and relying on religion. The results of this study provide insights into the experiences of this specific group of older people to assist improvement in their care as they die.

Keywords:

• Palliative care
• Services
• Chinese
• Older people

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge funding from Dover Park Hospice and Ang Mo Kio-Thye Hwa Kwan Hospital. The authors also acknowledge Ms Sylvia Lee, Dr Chen Jer Shih, Dover Park Hospice, and the research participants who gave their time generously.