My Family's Long-Term Care Lesson

Despite being well educated with an MSc in social work, 27-year-old Li Yi-ren chose a career in the long-term care industry where she's working her way up from the basics much to the dismay of her parents, who see caregiving as menial work.

In this episode, we discover what crucial role professional caregivers play in maintaining harmony in home; why Yi-ren feels the Japanese "nursing cafe" phenomenon will transform long-term care in the community; and how the experience of caring for a terminally ill loved one has convinced Yi-ren's family that signing a DNR form is the only compassionate thing to do.

Host

Li Yi-ren: Many people say "Why get into long-term care so young?" "It's unrelated to you." "We're all fit and healthy so why do this?" I say, "Because I'm afraid." I fear for my old age. How do you wish to live in your old age? I'm involved with in-home care and community nursing cafes because I feel that everybody hopes to grow old in the community they live. I can look after you in your home. Second on another level if there's only husband and wife they can take a breather and experts can care for them.

Li Jia-nan: I didn't feel they had changed much. They were still very innocent. I'm quite proud of this. So fearing me was a good thing. They still respect their father.

Huang Li-ling: At the time I said to my husband"Every evening seeing my parents sleeping peacefully there brings me great peace of mind." So when the time came for them to leave I was devastated. I felt great inner struggle.

Li Yi-lun: It's because I interned in a hospital and then our family had this kind of experience. I don't want to become a burden on my family.

Zhuang Sheng-da: No matter it's towards yourself your elders or other friends in the short term there may not be an answer. But it gives you another perspective.

Guest

Lin Chia-li:There are many sad news reports on this. In fact, they're very filial. They went with their bedridden mother to commit…All because they're completely exhausted. They barely have time to even breathe. That's why we need nursing cafes.