A Hospice is not a place. It is a special care and it can change your life. Our care seeks to relieve the suffering, both physical and emotional, of people with incurable diseases so that they can continue to live with dignity and comfort. It is also about supporting our patients families through a challenging time.
When and why a Hospice? Even with the current advances in medicine, not all medical conditions have a cure. While some treatments may offer temporary disease control, this usually comes with impact on the patient s quality of life and heavy financial burdens. But this doesn t mean that nothing else can be done. With compassionate care and the use of modern methods and technologies, a patient s symptoms can be properly managed to make them as comfortable as possible to live life with dignity and peace. Why Assisi Hospice? Assisi Hospice was founded in 1969 by the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood Sisters. In line with their tradition of service to the needy and the sick, Assisi Hospice has developed a comprehensive model of care that includes Inpatient service, Hospice Home service and a Day Centre. In all of our services, we adopt an integrated approach that addresses the physical, emotional, psychological, social and spiritual needs of patients and their families. We welcome people of all faiths, age, race or financial position. No one will ever be denied care because of who they are or what they can afford.
Our Team The Assisi team is committed to serving with compassion and excellence. The team consists of: Medical Doctors Registered Nurses Psychosocial Support Team - Medical Social Workers/ Counsellors/Therapists Pastoral Care Counsellors Physiotherapists/Occupational Therapists Support Staff Volunteers all of whom work together to provide palliative care for our patients, as well as support their families. The Inpatient Service The inpatient service provides care to those who need 24- hour medical and nursing care. We work closely with their families and caregivers as part of a caring and life-affirming team. Our two wards offer 36 beds, 20 of which are single rooms. Short term admission to the inpatient services can also be planned to provide the much needed rest for caregivers. Our inpatient hospice service is available for adults and children.
The Hospice Home Service Our Home Care team supports patients who prefer and can still be cared for at home. The team will visit the patients in their homes to ensure they continue to live with comfort. The service is accessible 24-hours every day so that patients and their families can be more assured about unforeseen events. This service is also available for adults and children. The Assisi Day Centre Our Day Centre caters to adult patients. They are provided with two-way transportation, meals and regular medical and nursing assessments to ensure that patients remain well. It is also a place for social activities to keep patients socially engaged and active for as long as possible. The centre s activities are designed and run by a team of trained physiotherapist, occupational therapist and volunteers. Palliative Rehabilitation In line with our aim to manage our patients symptoms and help maximise their potential, our Palliative Rehabilitation programmes are customised for individual needs. Our team of therapists and aides assist patients with exercises at our gym or by the patient s bedside. We can also assist Home Care patients with advice on rehabilitation at home, fall prevention, caregiver training and if needed loan of equipment to facilitate safe care.
Psychosocial & Clinical Pastoral Care Apart from medical needs, patients and families are often faced with financial challenges, emotional turmoil and other family issues. Our team of Counsellors and Medical Social Workers will assist with practical solutions to support these needs or to be that listening ear for emotional support. Our Clinical Pastoral Care team provides the pillars of support for the patients and families spiritual well-being regardless of faith and beliefs. The team is trained to work with persons of different age groups, particularly those who are more vulnerable, such as young children and the elderly. Caring for Children Children will always have a special place in our hearts. When the tragedy of terminal illness strikes, we are committed to ensure the appropriate care for the child s medical condition and developmental needs. Recognising the impact on families, we include parents, siblings and extended families in the focus of our care. We also provide support for children who are faced with the loss or impending loss of a parent, sibling or close family member. Adult family members are also encouraged and guided to talk to the children about death.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be referred to Assisi Hospice? Anyone in need of palliative and hospice care can be referred here. What are the referral procedures? The patient s doctor will need to fill up a referral form and provide the necessary medical report to Assisi Hospice. Upon receipt, our staff will contact the referring hospital or family member to make the admission arrangements. What are the visiting hours? We welcome visitors to spend time with our inpatients. There are no restricted visiting hours but we do request that visitors leave by 9.30pm to allow our patients to rest. We encourage a family member to stay overnight with the patient when their health condition deteriorates. How much will it cost? Cost of inpatient stay will depend on the level of government subsidy that is entitled. Please contact us and speak with our Medical Social Workers or Counsellors on the financial help available. Our Day Care fee is a nominal $10 per day and it covers 2-way transport, meals, doctor consultation, nursing attendance, physiotherapy, as well as all therapeutic and recreational activities, including outings. Our Home Care service is offered free to all patients, regardless of location in Singapore.
Can I use Medisave for hospice stay? YES. Up to $160 per day from Medisave can be used to pay for patients stay at Assisi Hospice. The Medisave funds can be from the patients account or from accounts of their spouse, children, parents or grandparents. The Medisave account holder has to bring his/her NRIC and sign the necessary forms to authorise the use of his/her Medisave funds. What is Means Testing? Means Testing is a requirement by the Ministry of Health for all admissions into our Inpatient and Home Care services. It is to ensure that government funds are directed to lower-income patients who need the assistance most. For more details, please log on to www.moh.gov.sg. How is Assisi Hospice funded? Assisi is dependent on public funding for about two-thirds of our operating costs for our 3 services of Inpatient, Home Care and Day Care services. The rest is funded from subsidies through means testing by the Ministry of Health and from what families can afford to pay. How can I make a donation? You may donate on-line, with cheque or via Giro deductions. Please see details at our website at www. assisihospice.org.sg. Cheque donations are to be made payable to ASSISI HOSPICE and mailed to 820 Thomson Road, Singapore 574623, with personal details and contact numbers on the reverse side of the cheque. Donations by Cashcard or Nets can be made at any AXS station.
How can I volunteer? Volunteers form the fundamental support that helps us bring compassionate care and comfort to our patients. Volunteer opportunities are abundant. You may want to help our nurses with direct patient care (e.g. bathing, changing, serving meals or simply providing companionship and a listening ear) or in other areas like fundraising. Volunteers can also lend their talents and professional skills in areas like art, music, massage, hairstyling, design work, dentistry, etc. For more information, please visit our website at www.assisihospice.org.sg where you can submit your application form online. Getting to the Assisi Hospice Assisi Hospice is located at 820 Thomson Road, within the same premises as Mt Alvernia Hospital. Nearby MRT Stations Marymount Station Caldecott Station Shuttle Bus Free Shuttle Bus service daily, except Sundays and Public Holidays. Pick-up and drop-off at Mt Alvernia Hospital to and from: Bishan MRT Station Novena MRT Station Please refer to our website at www.assisihospice.org.sg for the detailed schedule.
820 Thomson Road, SIngapore 574623 Tel: 6347 6446 Fax: 6253 5312 www.assisihospice.org.sg