Not many people would like to think about end-of-life plans. Not many are comfortable to discuss what they want for their funeral. Not so for Edlin. Edlin has looked through her photos to shortlist which she would like to display at her wake when she goes. She has also decided on which pieces of music to play. Most would consider this a morbid exercise. But not so for Edlin – she is comfortable making end-of-life plans because as a medical social worker she has spent much time helping her patients at Agape Methodist Hospice(Homecare) (AMH) to make such plans.
Social Work in Palliative Care
AMH provides palliative care to persons with advanced illnesses. Edlin befriends these patients and their caregivers and supports them by accompanying them on the last leg of their journey on earth. Being a medical social worker at AMH involves more than solving interpersonal conflicts, Edlin helps her patients to look inwards, to manage any issues that they may have. Beyond just solving problems Edlin doesn’t just work with her clients to solve problems.
She says: “I want to give hope to those who might have lost hope when diagnosed with terminal illnesses.”
Her desire is that her patients come to terms with their illnesses and face life courageously. One of her patients, Mr Lim, in his 70’s was diagnosed with lung cancer and subsequently his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. Their son was working on piecemeal jobs and was not able to support his own family, much less his parents. Edlin managed to help them apply for financial help, and they had renewed hopes again when they obtained NTUC vouchers. She even brought him to ride the Singapore Flyer when he was feeling down, watching his wife’s life fade away in the hospice.
When Mr Lim’s daughter-in-law was upset with the live-in arrangement after Mr Lim’s wife passed away, Edlin played the mediator between them. Knowing that Mr Lim wished to give his grandson something precious before he passes on, Edlin helped him to apply for Make-A-Wish Foundation and he fulfilled his last wish – a necklace for his grandson.
For medical social workers like Edlin, working with patients who are terminally ill, it can be emotionally draining but it is also fulfilling when you know that you have played a part in helping them live out their final days with courage and dignity.
Making meaning out of confusion
Her gentle demeanour and quiet ways have led many patients to open up and express their innermost thoughts and fears. In the process, she helps them face their issues and make meaning out of their confusion and fears. She will help them to face their issues and make meaning out of their confusion and fears. She helps them see that they are not alone in the battle with their illnesses. She will journey with them to the end. Helping terminal patients face their last days has also prompted Edlin to work through fears about death. She deals with it by journaling memories of her patients, girded by her strong faith in God.
“I will think of the happy times I have spent with my patients but if I feel sad, I will let the tears flow,” she said.