Suffering from dementia, Yee-ling’s mother used to eat all the time and claimed she was still hungry after taking in her 8th bowl of rice. This made the 60-year-old daughter feeling very frustrated and helpless. “We have tried almost everything. Taking pictures and videos, showing her the used utensils etc. But nothing worked. If I refuse to give her food, she will wail and shout and accuse me of not respecting her who gave life to me and raised me up.” Yee-ling felt deeply hurt.

Subvented by The Community Chest, “Brain Care Octopus” is a tailor-made service operated by Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Service for the community–dwelling elderly with early dementia. By adopting case management approach, “Brain Care Octopus” provides multi-disciplinary services to the elderly, including medical diagnosis, cognitive training, home modification and long term care planning. In addition, the programme also offers training, counseling and stress relief activities to caregivers and helps them improve their confidence.

Yee-ling said that her mother had made significant progress after participating in the scheme. She could finally remember Yee-ling’s phone number, identify the various buttons to be more focus and become much happier than before. Moreover, Yee-ling had joined a peer support group. "We understand each other since we all take care of elderly who suffer from dementia. I feel glad because I am not alone." Yee-ling said.

Despite her dementia condition, Yee-ling’s mother once mentioned to the social worker her appreciation towards the loving daughter. Facing the many difficulties, Yee-ling is still determined to do her utmost to take care of her mother.

Extract from “Faith” (January 2012) published by Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Service-Hong Kong, the member social welfare agency of The Community Chest of Hong Kong

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