"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants" Psalms 116:5
There used to be death-houses1 tucked away in the dark alleys of Sago Lane in Chinatown, Singapore. People living out the last days of their lives would be left at these death houses to die. There, solitary and terminally-ill Chinese immigrants could rent a bed space for their dying moments. They had pre-purchased their coffins and funeral rites. The funeral parlour would be below these rental spaces. In those days, the dying person faced terminal illnesses alone often without the prospect of family and community support.
There used to be death-houses1 tucked away in the dark alleys of Sago Lane in Chinatown, Singapore. People living out the last days of their lives would be left at these death houses to die. There, solitary and terminally-ill Chinese immigrants could rent a bed space for their dying moments. They had pre-purchased their coffins and funeral rites. The funeral parlour would be below these rental spaces. In those days, the dying person faced terminal illnesses alone often without the prospect of family and community support.
Not anymore.
Dover Park Hospice (DPH) was set up in 1992 to
provide care for patients at the end of life. Now, these patients can live out
their last days in comfort and dignity – lovingly cared for by an expert team
trained in palliative care. What’s more, the hospices in Singapore have
been engaging the public and community, creating awareness and societal
support.
One example is the recent “Hospice Is….” Art Project
initiated by DPH and the LaSalle College of the Arts (LCA). The project
involved people from all walks of life, ranging from hospice patients and their
families, staff and volunteers from the hospice fraternity, community
partners and the general public. They were encouraged to express their
feelings about end-of-life issues and Hospices and paint these thoughts onto
pre-molded dove figurines. The dove is the symbol of the Dover Park Hospice.
Art Therapy is a creative way to
express emotions, thoughts and states of being that may be difficult to share
and communicate with others. There is an intrinsic therapeutic
value in creating something with one’s own hands and then to share this with others.
Thus, using art to transcend barriers, the project and
the ensuing exhibition from 3 to 7 Oct 2103 served as a platform for Singaporeans
to share their perceptions on hospice care. It was hoped that the public will become more aware of these
end-of-life issues and help de-mystify the concept of the hospice movement.
The success of the open art exhibition in
contrast with the hidden death houses in the past, indicates the gradual change
in societal attitudes towards taboo subjects such as the death and dying
in Singapore.
So, why do we care and why are the dying
moments important? In DPH our motto is “Every Moment Matters”. This means that
whatever time is left for life should be lived in the most meaningful way. The hospice
offers support and specialist care to achieve this aim. No one is left alone to die.
In the same way no Christian will face death alone. Psalms 116:5 informs that God will always be with us.
In the same way no Christian will face death alone. Psalms 116:5 informs that God will always be with us.
Lionel
1. Click on hyperlink to view You-tube of Death-Houses of Sago Lane
