For the first few times that Pui came to the Adult Respite Day Program here at Pilgrims Hospice, his son Paul stayed with him for the day. As Pui finds changes in his environment difficult, and English isn’t his first language, Paul understandably wanted to make sure his father transitioned well between Pilgrims and home.
Over time, Paul has seen his father relax into the warm, home-like environment and is impressed with the high staff/volunteer ratio to clients; the unconditional acceptance that allows Pui to be involved as much as he likes, or is able to, without expectation or pressure; and that the clients are funny and don’t feel like patients!
Paul appreciates that Pilgrims is located in nice surroundings and that Pui – who normally stays home and doesn’t do much – likes and looks forward to going out and socializing with others. Paul is also relieved that while the Day Program is a rewarding experience for his father, it provides a comfort to his mother, easing her stress and allowing her time to relax – the respite help is as much for her as for Pui, and the whole family enjoys knowing he’s in safe hands for a while.