In 1990, the Hospice Foundation of Taiwan (“the Foundation”) was established through the joint efforts of MacKay Memorial Hospital and Shuang Lien Presbyterian Church, marking the official start of hospice care development in Taiwan. Over the past 34 years, the Foundation has progressively improved the medical environment for hospice care in Taiwan, cultivated relevant professionals, and actively promoted hospice care to the public. Additionally, the Foundation has been instrumental in initiating and advocating for related legislation, serving as the strongest support for patients and hospice care teams. This has ensured that patients and their families receive appropriate care and maintain a comfortable and dignified quality of life when facing terminal illness.
Joining Hands with Students to Promote the Concept of Hospice Care
The dedication of the Hospice Foundation of Taiwan was recognized by the Y.L. Lin Hung Tai Education Foundation in October 2023, awarding them the 7th Y.L. Lin Social Welfare Achievement Award. Dr. Yuh-Cheng Yang, Chairman of the Hospice Foundation of Taiwan, remarked that the award added warm firewood to the furnace that has been burning for 34 years. "It not only helps us continue to burn but also reminds us of the social responsibilities we bear."
Following the award, the Y.L. Lin Hung Tai Education Foundation further invited the Hospice Foundation of Taiwan to serve as a topic partner for the 21st ATCC National College Business Case Competition. They sought creative proposals from college students, hoping that through innovative thinking, they could collectively advocate for hospice care. The three-month competition saw multiple proposal and implementation stages, with the team Kingdom of Jinji from National Taiwan University securing first place in the semi-finals and eventually winning the national championship, beating three other teams representing businesses and public sectors.
The Kingdom of Jinji team consisted of five National Taiwan University students: Min-Xuan Shen, Min-Xiang Zhang, and Zhe-Kai Ni from the Department of Economics, Cai-Ying Chen from the Department of Finance, and Jun-Yuan Zheng from the Department of International Business. Min-Xuan Shen, a sophomore, noted with a laugh that the journey had not been easy, as the team members initially had no understanding of palliative care and held the stereotypical view of hospice care as merely "waiting to die."
Through collaboration with foundation specialists and touching real-life stories, the team gradually broke down misconceptions and grasped the essence of hospice care. Min-Xuan Shen deeply felt that hospice is not a place of darkness, but a pursuit of light. "We gradually understood that entering hospice care means living in another dignified form. Five-Aspects of Holistic Care not only addresses the patient's physical, mental, and spiritual needs but also supports their families."
Moved by these stories, they centered their proposal on touching narratives, naming their project Good Day, Hospice. How About a Story? During the implementation phase, they promoted hospice care in coffee shops and set up stalls at cultural markets for charity sales and storytelling.
"We hope to become seeds of hospice care. As we deepen our understanding, we aim to pass on the correct concepts to those around us." Min-Xuan Shen believes that participating in the competition was just part of the journey. Once hospice care is rooted in one's heart, they become a part of the hospice support team, using their personal efforts to enhance public understanding of hospice care.
Preparing in Advance for Hospice Care Needs of a Super Aged Society
In addition to continuing to promote hospice care, the Hospice Foundation of Taiwan is adapting to changing times and social environments, bringing hospice care to where it is most needed. With the elderly population steadily increasing, Taiwan is expected to officially become a super-aged society by 2025. The Ministry of Health and Welfare estimates that the number of people in need of long-term care will exceed one million within the next three years. In response, the Foundation began planning a series of long-term care hospice promotion programs years ago, including organizing long-term care hospice courses and cultivating professional talent. Additionally, to increase the willingness of long-term care institutions to offer hospice services, the Foundation has linked hospice service networks with long-term care networks, and introduced hospice clinical education and related resources.
Since its establishment 34 years ago, the Hospice Foundation of Taiwan has consistently undertaken significant responsibilities, but it has never walked alone. Throughout its journey, numerous partners have joined the cause, including the Y.L. Lin Hung Tai Education Foundation. The Foundation will continue to build a patient-centered hospice care network in Taiwan, extending hospice care from hospitals to homes and long-term care institutions. Regardless of where life's end occurs, everyone will have the right to equal hospice care and a dignified death.