Have you made preparations for death? Death often catches people off guard.
Except for 2022, when the fifth wave of the epidemic led to an increase in the number of deaths in Hong Kong to over 62,000, in recent years, the annual death toll in Hong Kong has hovered between 40,000 and 50,000, with more than 90% of them dying in hospitals. The causes of death are mostly attributed to certain diseases, with 60% or more being cancer, pneumonia, heart disease, and so on.
Due to cultural reasons, most people admitted to hospital due to illness do not anticipate or talk about death (and their families are even less likely to bring it up). As a result, when a patient’s condition deteriorates, the only option sought is emergency treatment to prolong life, leaving the patient and their family with no opportunity or room to prepare for death.
May we all have a good death.
- There is no great pain during the dying moments;
- Uncomfortable symptoms are kept under control;
- Understand and grasp one’s own condition;
- Not becoming a burden to family or loved ones;
- Family members or loved ones can accept one’s death.
It turns out that what people desire most is to properly prepare for their own death. “White Lily” has served many cases of “passing away at home”. These were not unplanned sudden deaths, but rather situations where individuals, upon learning that their condition would not improve, had long decided to choose to pass away at home. This allowed them to spend the final days well with their families and to depart in a familiar and good environment.
The choice of ‘passing away at home
At first hearing, “passing away at home” may sound unimaginable or even repulsive, with the assumption that it will bring a lot of trouble to the family. In fact, this is a misunderstanding.
In the UK, the US, and even Taiwan, at least a quarter of deaths occur at home by choice. A few years ago, the Hospital Authority of Hong Kong released its “Strategy for Elderly Healthcare Services”, which also pointed out that long-term patients and the elderly can carefully consider the option of passing away at home, with corresponding arrangements made in relevant laws and supporting measures.
The author has visited many families that chose “passing away at home” on multiple occasions, and “White Lily” has also served numerous such cases. I deeply appreciate the thoughtfulness of the families and the decisions of the patients. In fact, as long as there are thorough plans and supporting measures in place, this is a highly humanistic option for patients and the elderly.
Contact us
Based on the needs of the deceased and their families, White Lily Christian Funeral Services provides comprehensive funeral services, including handling government documents, venue booking and decoration, issuing funeral notices on behalf of clients, as well as services during the funeral and procession.
If you need assistance, please feel free to contact us. Let White Lily help you handle your after-death affairs and accompany you through the final stage of life.
