The Sunshine Hour for March 2025 was attended by 17 participants and 10 volunteers from PPCS. Led by a group of ladies from Yemaya Life Ipoh, the participants enjoyed a yoga exercise session. With enthusiastic encouragement from the exercise leaders, accompanied by upbeat music, the Sunshine Hour participants worked up a real sweat as they followed the demonstrated actions in both seated and standing positions. A happy mood was evident from the smiles on their faces.
After half an hour of physical activity, the group cooled down gradually with gentle stretching and slower movements. Tokens of appreciation were presented to the representatives of Yemaya Life Ipoh, expressing gratitude for their time and energy.
This session was concluded with the sharing of light refreshments prepared by some volunteers. It was wonderful to see the participants chatting and spending time together before they returned to their respective homes.
Perak Palliative Care Society has available positions for nurses to join our Home Care Team. If you are seeking a nursing role which will allow you to serve patients in their homes at a time when professional and sensitive care is of the utmost priority, then this job could be for you!
Responsibilities include visiting cancer patients in their homes, administering pain-relieving drugs, managing of symptoms, assisting with basic forms of nursing care and giving support to their family members & loved ones at critical times.
For more information or to apply, do get in touch via phone (05-546 4732) or email (admin@ppcs.org.my). We look forward to welcoming you!
The monthly Sunshine Hour Program is a cherished initiative organized by PPCS to provide patients with opportunities for recreation and socialization outside the confines of their homes. This month, they embarked on a special outing to the Lost World of Tambun (LWOT), a renowned theme park in Ipoh, offering a blend of nature, adventure, and relaxation. The excursion which took place on 19th February presented our patients with a memorable and enriching experience.
The day began with a short briefing at PPCS, where the Medical Director addressed the group. He ensured that all patients were medically fit for the trip and emphasized the importance of safety throughout the outing. This precautionary measure set the tone for a smooth and incident-free day. The group departed PPCS at 10:30 AM and arrived at LWOT by 11:00 AM. Upon arrival, the LWOT staff gave them a warm welcome and assisted with the ticketing process, ensuring a hassle-free entry. Their hospitality and support were greatly appreciated.
After entering the venue, the group explored the water theme park, marvelling at its lush landscapes and serene ambiance. The patients enjoyed the tranquil environment, which provided a refreshing escape from their daily routines. Many photos were taken for keepsakes. A delicious lunch was generously sponsored by LWOT management and served by the poolside. The meal was not only satisfying but also provided an opportunity for the group to relax and bond in a picturesque setting.
Post-lunch, the group embarked on a tram ride that took them around the park. The ride resembled a safari, with wild animals such as tigers, deer, and exotic birds visible on both sides of the route. This unique experience brought excitement and wonder to the patients. The tram stopped at the petting zoo, which turned out to be the highlight of the day for many patients. There were opportunities for hands-on interactions with tame animals and birds, including capybaras, goats, and parrots. This activity provided therapeutic benefits, fostering joy and emotional connection.
By 3:00 PM, the group concluded the outing and returned to PPCS without any unforeseen incidents. The day was marked by laughter, camaraderie, and a sense of enjoyment.
Acknowledgments:
PPCS would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the management of the Lost World of Tambun for their generous sponsorship of the entrance fees and lunch. Their support played a pivotal role in making this event a success. We also convey our thanks to the volunteers and staff who ensured the safety and well-being of the patients throughout the day.
Reflection:
This outing to LWOT was more than just a recreational activity; it was a therapeutic experience that allowed our patients to connect with nature, engage in meaningful interactions, and create lasting memories. Such initiatives are integral to their holistic well-being, and we look forward to organizing more enriching events in the future.
Write-up contributed by Dato Dr Ziaudin Ahamed, Medical Director of PPCS | Photos by PPCS Adminfor Sunshine Hour
My deepest gratitude for the exceptional care and support provided to my beloved wife, Ong Mee Fong, during her time in palliative care. A special mention and appreciation for Palliative Care Nurse Joanne and Medical Director, Dato Dr Ziaudin Ahamed for making the home visit.
Your team’s unwavering dedication, compassion, and professionalism made an immense difference during a profoundly challenging time for our family. From the moment we entered your care, we were met with kindness and empathy that eased our burdens and provided much-needed comfort.
Your attentive and personalized care ensured that Mee Fong’s final days were filled with dignity and peace. The genuine concern and gentle touch with which you attended to her needs brought solace not only to her but also to our entire family. Your efforts allowed us to focus on spending precious moments together, knowing she was in the best possible hands.
We are eternally grateful for the emotional support, guidance, and compassionate care you extended to us. Your presence brought light to our darkest days, and your dedication to Mee Fong’s well-being will forever be remembered.
Thank you for the extraordinary work you do and for making a lasting impact on our lives.
With heartfelt appreciation, Sit Wai Yin PJK, Husband of the late Ong Mee Fong
On January 21, 2025, Dr. Jasdeep Singh Gill, a Consultant Psychiatrist subspecializing in Psychiatry of Old Age from Hospital Fremantle, Perth, Western Australia, delivered an insightful lunchtime talk at the PPCS Multipurpose Hall. The event attracted a diverse audience, including palliative care practitioners from the Manjung Palliative Care Society, general practitioners, PPCS doctors, nurses, volunteers, and committee members.
Dr. Gill’s presentation focused on the emotional and psychological challenges faced by patients, families, and healthcare providers in palliative care. Drawing on both research findings and his personal experiences, he highlighted the prevalence of mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression, among palliative care patients. Notably, nearly a quarter of all palliative care patients and half of those with serious illnesses experience these conditions.
He emphasized that mood disorders often manifest as physical symptoms, including fatigue, insomnia, anorexia, and drowsiness, which can lead to underdiagnosis and inadequate treatment. Dr. Gill advocated for routine screening for mood disorders in patients presenting with multiple physical symptoms, stressing that early intervention is crucial. Untreated mood disorders can amplify bodily sensations, hinder effective symptom management, and potentially lead to secondary psychiatric conditions, such as major depression.
Dr. Gill also discussed evidence-based approaches to managing these challenges. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has shown promising results in addressing mood disorders in palliative care settings. He recommended a combination of antidepressant medication, supportive psychotherapy, and patient and family education as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Additionally, he highlighted the potential benefits of complementary therapies, such as aromatherapy massage, which have been found useful in some centres, though further research is needed to fully evaluate their efficacy.
The talk underscored the importance of addressing emotional and psychological well-being alongside physical symptoms in palliative care. By doing so, healthcare providers can significantly improve the quality of life for patients and their families while also safeguarding their own emotional resilience in this demanding field.
Dr. Gill’s presentation was a timely reminder of the holistic approach required in palliative care, emphasizing the need for compassion, early intervention, and multidisciplinary collaboration to navigate the complex emotional and psychological landscape of end-of-life care.
Article contributed by Dr. Ziaudin Ahamed, Medical Director of PPCS.
Now that I have regained my mobility, my wish is to be able to travel to Mecca to perform the Haj pilgrimage
Noor had strong fears and anxieties about being a burden to her family When she was referred to PPCS , she was bed bound , semi-conscious , unable to communicate and restless. With the care and support from PPCS palliative care team , she progressed from being bedbound to wheelchair bound. Her family members also became more confident to attend to her needs. With professional care from a PPCS volunteer physiotherapist and an occupational therapist from a public hospital , she is now able to walk again with assistance. She was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude now that she is mobile again. She expresses her wish to be able to perform the Haj pilgrimage in the near future. For Noor , her quality of life has improved.
My husband,the primarycaregiver now has thepeace of mind to seekpart-time work
Elezabeth was devastated when she discovered she had neuromyelitis, a disease which attacked her nerves and left her paralysed from her waist down. He husband had to quit his full time job to look after her. Her problem was further compounded by the fact she was extremely overweight. Before PPCS palliative care team came into her life, she had to be taken to private hospital for medical treatment by ambulance. This transport cost plus other necessary medical costs depleted their financial resources. Under the care of PPCS, she no longer needed to seek treatment in a private hospital. Her condition is now more manageable and less stressful for her and her husband. With her husband now working part-time, their financial position is more stable.
My struggle was real. I wanted to tell but my mother disagreed. She said that my dad would not be able to take the shock of knowing he had terminal stage cancer. The medical doctor did not give any advice on this but just referred us for home palliative support. At PPCS I was not only given the chance to talk about my stress and fears, but was also encouraged and given the explanation as to my father’s right to know of his condition, and how best to disclose this info as a family. I was advised to tell my father of his illness in the presence of my mother and siblings. My father has always been a quiet man, not prone to talking much. My father was calm upon knowing his condition, and with a sad voice he said, “Hard to believe my life is so short. My parents lived till 80s.” Despite the sadness, I felt we were able to walk with my father throughout his illness. In less than a month my father passed away. The support given to my father and us during and after my father’s passing was invaluable. I still miss my father very much.
My father was diagnosed with advanced heart and kidney failure. I remember the quiet strength my father displayed throughout the days after the diagnosis was disclosed to him. He made his decisions on his treatment options (e.g. no invasive procedure, no active resuscitation) , chose where he wished to spend his last days, and planned his funeral. As our father and head of the family, he bequeathed his love and deep desire that we remain close knit as a family, and to care for our mother and ourselves, after his demise. As much as he was preparing us for his departure, our father was also putting his life in perspective. By actively engaging in planning, our father was making time for what he valued most in life, i.e., his family, close relatives and his friends. My father has left such a powerful legacy for us. He chose to know and face his fate. He chose to disclose his wishes to us as a family. He spoke up. By doing so he allowed us to spend his last days as a family, not a lonely dying person. We love and miss you still, Papa.
