Whether through music, a freshly painted home or the comforting presence of therapy pets, these special moments brought smiles and warmth to our patients.
For our inpatient 59-year-old Mdm Lim Geok Ching, music has always held a special place in her heart. Having learned the piano as a child, she shared during a music therapy session at Assisi Hospice that she had always dreamed of attending a candlelight concert with live music, but never had the chance.
Wanting to make that wish come true, her daughters worked with our music therapists to create a surprise candlelight concert at the hospice. The team converted our level 6 space to a pop-up music hall on 18 May 2026. Surrounded by the warm glow of candlelight, our locum music therapist Evelyn performed some of Mdm Lim’s favourite pieces on the piano, including Golden Hour. Guest musicians Yana from the Singapore Handpan Community, together with Alex and Vlada (the Rhythmic Couple), put up a beautiful performance for Mdm Lim, her family and friends.
The concert was a celebration of family and friendship. Mdm Lim shared, “I am touched by how music connected everyone present. I have also tried the handpan before when I was searching for music for meditation, and I am surprised and happy to see it again.”
At Assisi Hospice, we believe that fulfilling a simple wish can create lasting memories. Moments like these remind us that even in life’s most difficult season, joy, connection and beautiful experiences can still be shared with the people who matter most.
Staff from City Developments Limited and CBM Pte Ltd rolled up their sleeves and spent a day giving our Day Care patient’s one-room rental flat a much-needed refresh in March 2026. From carefully moving furniture, cleaning the space, covering the furniture and floor to patiently applying coats of paint, and finally putting everything back in place, every step was done with care and kindness.
What was once a tired space is now a brighter, more welcoming home.
We are deeply grateful to our corporate partners for fulfilling our patient’s wish, not just with paint and tools, but with their hands and hearts. Thank you for bringing comfort, dignity and a little extra brightness into her day.
Dressed in festive outfits and armed with wagging tails and gentle purrs, Assisi Hospice’s therapy pets brought smiles and companionship to patients this Chinese New Year.
Eight-year-old Golden Poodle Bailey charmed patients in a bright blue vest, even balancing a mandarin orange on his head as if offering New Year greetings. Meanwhile, two-year-old therapy cat Bak Nyi Zai melted hearts in a red festive vest, delighting patients who enjoyed cuddling and stroking her.
Pet therapy has been part of Assisi Hospice’s care for the past eight years, as we recognise that emotional comfort is just as important as physical comfort for patients receiving palliative care. Interacting with therapy animals can reduce anxiety, spark cherished memories of beloved pets, encourage conversations, and bring moments of calm and joy during difficult times.
We currently have 11 therapy dogs and two therapy cats, providing more than 1,200 pet therapy sessions last year. Every pet therapy volunteer (owner of the therapy pet) undergoes training, while each therapy pet must pass temperament assessments and regular health checks to ensure they are well-suited for healthcare settings.
