From Supporting Role to Protagonist in Life

Ms Tam and her husband had been married happily for more than 50 years. However, her husband suffered from "brain atrophy" and "Parkinson's disease" in his later years, and Ms Tam had instantly become a 24-hour personal carer to take care of her husband.

The brain atrophy brought along with cognitive impairment to her husband. From time to time, there would be stubborn and incomprehensible behaviours. For example, he would collect scraps from the street, abuse or even make personal attack at Ms Tam for no reason. Her husband did not want to be restricted at home and would stagger out of the house with his wheelchair. As a carer, Ms Tam could only tidy up the mess, be tolerant of his behaviour, and kept a closed eye on her husband. She devoted 100% of her effort to take care of her husband, but no one ever knows the pressure and difficulties of being a carer.

Until 2018, the social worker in charge of her husband's case referred the "Care for the Carers" service of the Hong Kong PHAB Association, which is funded by the Chest, to Ms Tam. The service aims to provide case counselling and comprehensive support to carers of the physically disabled. Through this service, Ms Tam gradually got to understand her husband’s physical conditions and behaviours, and learned how to embrace her own value while finding the meaning of life at the same time. She also participated in the therapeutic groups and activities for carers. She could share her experiences and found mutual support through the activities. 

Ms Tam’s husband passed away last year because of deteriorated physical condition. The "Care for the Carers" service would continue to support Ms Tam to get over the pain, and help her to start a new page of life.