Finding Purpose as a Hospice Therapy Assistant

Our staff and volunteers each bring their unique backgrounds to the table, and it is no different for our Therapy Assistant, Richard Lim. Richard brings a unique set of skills well suited to his current role with the Palliative Rehabilitation team of Dover Park Hospice. An extensive experience of over 20 years in the food and beverage (F&B) industry as a bartender, waiter, and chef, amongst many others, has instilled in him a deep sense of patience and empathy - ideal for his role as a Therapy Assistant.

One of the main reasons Richard was motivated to join the healthcare sector was due to the realisation that his mother was getting on with age, as was he. He made the life-changing decision to leave the F&B industry as it was becoming more ‘sedentary’, deciding to get into better shape so that he could take better care of his mother. One thing led to another, and Richard found himself here at Dover Park Hospice.

As a Therapy Assistant, Richard works alongside Rehabilitation Therapists and his daily responsibilities include checking in with patients on their well-being and engaging them in various therapy interventions for cognitive stimulation and physical maintenance. Rehabilitation goes hand in hand with palliative care as patients are supported and encouraged to participate in what is personally meaningful to them. Richard also supports, plans and conducts a variety of therapy activities - conducting exercise groups under our R.I.S.E. Programme, holding a therapeutic space with Namaste Care, taking patients out to our new sky garden for some fresh air and even to participate in Dover Park Hospice’s ‘Lim Kopi’ sessions on Fridays.

Each month, the Palliative Rehabilitation team hosts culinary group sessions for inpatients as part of the DPH Group Activities Programme held on Thursday afternoons. Richard plays a key role in planning out the culinary activities adapted to our patients’ mobility and comfort levels. Patients are encouraged to participate in various fun tasks during the sessions, reminisce old memories while creating new ones together! The social interaction and meaningful creation help foster a sense of belonging and purpose during their time in Dover Park Hospice, making every moment matter and really ‘living until the end’. Past sessions featured dishes such as pancakes, dumplings, and even pineapple tarts during Chinese New Year. This is where Richard’s extensive experience in the F&B industry shines as he expertly selects and guides the preparation of dishes for these special events.

For those who are looking to volunteer or thinking of joining the palliative care sector, Richard advises:

“Teamwork, patience, empathy, tenderness and having a good listening ear are some of the traits required for this job. It’s not going to be easy at times as we often grow attached to the patients, but thankfully, we have colleagues whom we can lean on if it gets tough.”

Richard also revealed that one of his favourite things to make are desserts! Here’s a recipe for his popular blueberry pancakes!