Palliative specialists at St Luke's Hospital adapt care plans for individuals with three months or less to live by emphasizing symptom management, comfort, and emotional legacy over standard rehabilitation. Patients frequently seek to ease their families' future burdens through keepsake recordings, letters, or family photo shoots, while some simply desire basic human touch and presence. Therapists and social workers also facilitate reconciliations by encouraging families to use patient-led, non-confrontational conversations.
Key points
Terminally ill patients often prioritize emotional closure and leaving positive memories…: Terminally ill patients often prioritize emotional closure and leaving positive memories over physical rehabilitation goals.
Anxieties regarding the emotional and financial well-being of surviving family members re…: Anxieties regarding the emotional and financial well-being of surviving family members remain widespread among individuals nearing the end of life.
Rebuilding strained relationships during palliative care requires a calm, non-demanding a…: Rebuilding strained relationships during palliative care requires a calm, non-demanding approach centered on listening and respecting patient comfort.
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Some patients worry less about dying than about the loved ones they will leave behind. For St Luke’s Hospital occupational therapist Esther Lim, caring for people nearing the end of life has revealed their regrets, surprisingly simple wishes and moments of joy.
After working with terminally ill patients at St Luke’s Hospital for the past three years, occupational therapist Esther Lim has observed how patients’ priorities shift as they approach the end of life. In the face of death, many think about loved ones they will leave behind.
One elderly patient wanted a makeover and photo shoot with his loved ones. Another asked to return home and spend his remaining time with family.
Other patients wrote letters, made cards or recorded messages for their loved ones, while some wanted to reconcile with an estranged family member.
“When time is limited, the priorities often become much clearer,” said the 40-year-old. “A fair share of our patients are concerned not so much for themselves, but whether their loved ones can cope emotionally or financially after they are gone.”
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