To: Mr. Felix Lam, President, ACCA

Thank you for giving me this chance to express my appreciation of the sterling work done by the Ming Shi Chinese Dementia Respite Day Care team – past and present staff since 2009. With the passing away of my mother, I miss the weekly occasions in meeting this team, who knows all about how to take care seniors with dementia. With an objective to slow down the deteriorating physical and mental health of those attendees, the team helps them with exercises, craft works, memory games, outdoor activities, etc. The social life of the attendees is also enriched through the regular cultural activities.

Would you please extend my appreciation also to all the volunteers for giving up so much of their time? Their involvement complements the work of ACCA staff. Most frail aged seniors require very high level of care and attention. Their selfless and compassionate attitude ought to have recognition. I applaud it loudly and sincerely.

I, too, benefited from this day care service. With absolute confidence that my late mother was in the hands of a group of friendly and caring professionals, I could take time off. This small window of time allowed me to attend to personal issues as well as maintaining social contacts with friends.

Looking forward, I see the future for Ming Shi as service expansion, from two days to three days and ideally five days a week. It has successfully laid the foundation of a harmonious and fruitful relationship with the seniors and their family members. It has got the confidence of the public so there is no difficulty in getting their patronage. With the prospect that the day care service be relocated to Hunter Street office, I had requested the possibility (though unnecessary now) for my late mother to attend the service twice a week. This is being echoed by another carer. Her mother attends the Harris Park day care centre as well. This is a strong reflection how we, the carers value this half day “parole” arrangement.

Success is a journey, not a destination. I wish ACCA to keep moving towards providing more aged care services, especially for those with a Chinese ethic background.

From: A long-term ACCA care recipient’s family member

          December 2015

Note: The ACCA MingShi Dementia Respite Day Care Centre staff in Harris Park are: Rex Leung          and Winnie Yuen