Mr Richard Lim, Therapy Assistant, preparing for a culinary session with our patients.
After more than two decades in the food and beverage industry, Mr Richard Lim never imagined his journey would lead him to hospice care. But when he began thinking about his mother’s ageing and his own health, he felt a stirring to change paths.
Today, Richard serves as a Therapy Assistant with the Palliative Rehabilitation team, blending empathy, patience and creativity into every interaction. 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.
One place where Richard’s past career shines is in the monthly culinary group sessions. With his background, he helps plan recipes that patients can safely participate in, guiding them as they roll dumplings, flip pancakes or bake pineapple tarts for festive celebrations. For many, these sessions are more than cooking, they are a chance to reminisce about family meals, share laughter, and create new memories together.
Though the role can be emotionally demanding, Richard believes it is a calling, advising that, “Teamwork, patience, empathy, tenderness, and a good listening ear are essential. It’s not always easy, but we lean on one another as colleagues when 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!
