I’ve been working as a Personal Care Worker at the Helping Hand Association’s Po Lam Elderly Home for over 12 years. I started out as a cleaner, and later the Association gave me an opportunity to undergo training so I could transition into this role. Every morning when I arrive, I chat with the residents, listen to them, and observe their condition—just to see if they need any help or if there’s anything that seems off. Communication is a big part of what I do. My job gives me a deep sense of fulfillment, especially because the residents here are caring and grateful. Through this work, I’ve also learned how to properly take care of the elderly—and I’ve been able to apply these skills when caring for my own family.  

The residents at our elderly home are quite independent. Many often go out to meet friends and family, do grocery shopping, and take part in different activities. The atmosphere here is lively, and our residents are very active! We hold weekly events such as drama performances, movie nights, karaoke, outings, and birthday parties. For many residents, they’ve never had anyone celebrate their birthday before, so these parties are especially meaningful. I’ve heard many fascinating life stories. Some residents live here due to family issues, others because they don’t have a home to return to. I remember one lady whose husband passed away when she was only 29. Heartbroken, she had to raise two children on her own. Years later, after her son got married, she couldn’t get along with her in-laws, so she decided to move out and live independently. Many of our residents have been through hardship and pain. We hope this place can be a joyful and comforting home for them—a second family.  

I’ve found that storytelling is the best way to bond with our residents—it never fails. One time, I played the role of Chang’e in a Mid-Autumn Festival story, and after the performance, the residents really warmed up to me. Traditional Chinese culture tends to avoid talking about death, but at the Helping Hand Association, we organize seminars to raise awareness about life and death, offering elderly people a platform to express their thoughts and wishes. We encourage residents to share their stories, and we conduct interviews to document their life journeys, memorable moments, and end-of-life preferences. Sometimes, they see it as a chance to say ‘thank you’ or ‘I’m sorry’ to their families. These records are incredibly meaningful to their loved ones. Being part of this organization and having the opportunity to help others truly brings me joy!   

說故事的人Storytelling by Hong Kong Shifts