The Hong Kong Society for the Aged - Peace Comes With Quality Sleep

Having suffered from insomnia for over four decades, 73-year-old Ms Lam, who lives on her own, decided to use the service of Insomnia Treatment Project for the Elderly operated by The Hong Kong Society For The Aged, one that is funded by The Community Chest of Hong Kong.

An assessment by the social worker showed that Ms Lam was emotionally disturbed and there were signs of depression. Apparently, there were two issues that bothered her. First, she had too much time on her hand since she retired from a nursing job; second, she was worried that no one’s going to look after her as she gets older, given that her husband and her mother both passed away. “What if I had dementia, or had a stroke?” she asked. She would get very anxious even when she has had a cold or a flu.

The project helps Ms Lam by having the counsellors talk to her and giving her therapy on the pressure points of her ears. Nowadays, Ms Lam feels confident about herself and spends time travelling. The best news is, she has not had any attack of insomnia for the past five months. “ I sleep well and I’m at peace with myself,” said Mrs Lam, smiling – something she has not done for a long time.