Patient Services
Palliative care is a healthcare specialty that helps people live their life as fully and as comfortably as possible when living with a progressive serious illness such as late-stage cancer, organ failure, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Motor Neurone Disease. Palliative care identifies and treats symptoms which may be physical, emotional, spiritual or social.
You may ask to be referred for palliative care support upon being diagnosed with a serious illness or you may choose to be referred once your illness progresses to a certain stage. Often our patients have an on-off rotation through palliative care as they go through various stages of their illness as they may have periods of wellness and illness. We will discuss the palliative care needs of our patients regularly with them as they journey through their illness.
No. The aim of palliative care is to improve your quality of life despite the illness by helping to manage your symptoms such as pain, anxiety, insomnia or breathlessness. Sometimes, you may be distressed emotional or spiritually. The palliative care team will work with the you and your family to treat these symptoms and support you emotionally so that you can continue to live as normal a life as possible.
Sometimes, you may need to better understand your condition and choices for treatment and care. You may want support to help you cope with medical treatments and their side effects. We have found that for most patients and their family, their ultimate goal is to be able to carry on with everyday life, despite the illness. To do this, you will want to feel well, feel supported and have more control over your care.
No, we do not provide nursing help. If you are unable to care for yourself, it is important that you have someone to provide care. Our team will be able to teach your caregiver how to care for you. This can include some basic nursing care skills such as how to manage your personal hygiene, dispensing of medication, wound care, and how to detect signs of distress which may require a call to our palliative care team.
No, we do not as we do not run an in-patient service.
Once the patient is registered with us, we will aim to contact you or your caregiver within 2 working days to discuss your needs, and arrange for a palliative care practitioner to visit and assess you. They will work with you and your caregiver to decide what you will need to be supported at home, including appropriate medical equipment, which can be loaned if available at no charge. During the first assessment, they will work with you to draft your care plan.
If you are still in hospital, and a discharge is imminent, then please contact us to inform us, so that an appointment can be made for our palliative care to visit when you return home.
To be eligible for our service, you must have an illness which may require palliative care support. These illnesses are typically cancer, heart failure, lung condition e.g. COPD, kidney failure, certain neurological conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and HIV/AIDS.
We need a referral from your attending doctor which you may find on our website HERE.
We are only able to provide our home visits to patients living within our area of coverage in the Klang Valley. Please therefore contact us to check if we are able to send our team into your area. If you live outside our coverage area, we offer an outpatient consultation service at our centre in Cheras.
It is important that we understand your condition and what treatment or investigations you have recently undergone so that we can better manage your symptoms.
A palliative care practitioner will assess the type and level of pain and in consultation with our doctor, appropriate medication will be prescribed. Sometimes opioids such as morphine may be prescribed to manage physical pain. If you have any concerns of the effects of these opioids, please discuss this with the palliative care practitioner. He/she will also assess whether you can take the medication orally or an alternative method of administering the medication may have to be used, such as subcutaneous injections. If the patient is bed bound, the palliative care practitioner can advise on proper positioning of the patient to reduce the risk of bed sores which is also a source of pain.
Sometimes, a patient may experience psychological pain, which may be addressed with appropriate counselling by our palliative care practitioner.
Yes, we offer a 24-hour call service for emergencies. An emergency contact number will be given to the patient and family during the 1st visit by the palliative care practitioner. We ask that this number be readily accessible to key people caring for the patient so that you do not panic if an emergency arises. Please note that we will only respond to emergency calls to patients registered with us.
Yes we do. Our palliative care practitioner will work with the patient and caregiver on what equipment is required. Medical equipment such as a hospital bed, ripple mattress, bedside commode, nebulizer, wheelchair, oxygen tank and oxygen concentrator is available to support the patient’s needs at no charge, subject to availability.
Our palliative care practitioners are assigned patients according to their geographical coverage. The quality of care we provide is the same whichever palliative care practitioner is attending to your loved one. If there is a language problem for more complex conversations, we will try and arrange a translator.
No, we do not provide financial aid. If you are in need of financial support, we suggest other organisations that might help.
Yes, we also care for children. Our team is trained to assess how the illness affects the child. At the same time, we will also assess how this impacts the rest of the family and work with them to support them while caring for the ill child.
As palliative care providers, we are mindful that the people close to our patient are often also affected by the challenges of their loved one’s illness. While the focus of care is on the patient, we recognize that the patient’s family play an important part in the care process. We are therefore there to help you understand your loved one’s journey with the illness, counselling support if required, and practical support in terms of training in caregiving skills to alleviate distress.
No. We only have 1 centre in Cheras serving patients living in the Klang Valley. If you need palliative care in another state or district outside the Klang Valley, you can check out https://www.malaysianhospicecouncil.com/ to find a hospice in your location. Alternatively, you may want to check with a KKM hospital if they offer palliative care.
Hospis Malaysia aims to provide the best possible quality of care for our patients and families. Your feedback is important to us to enable us to continuously improve. If you have a complaint or a question about our service, please talk to any of our team members, or call us at our office on 03-91333936, and ask to speak to our Patient Services Manager. You may also send us an email at patientcare@hospismalaysia.org
Others
Yes, all cash donations are tax deductible. To enable us to issue the tax exempt receipt, we will require your full name (as per IC), your IC or passport number, and mailing address. Please also leave us your email address and/or contact number should we need to contact you for further clarification.
Yes, we do. We are constantly looking to replenish our medication and medical supplies, and certain medical equipment to support our patients’ needs. We will also from time to time require additional office equipment such as desktops, laptops, and printers.
Please contact us at pr@hospismalaysia.org to get an update of list of items required.
Yes we are always in need of certain medical equipment or supplies, if they are in good condition. We request that you take a photo of the items you would like to donate and email it to pr@hospismalaysia.org. Please also include your contact details so we can get in touch with you. As we are a charitable organization, we ask that you bear the cost of transportation charges. We would be happy to provide you with the contact form of several transporters.
Please note, we cannot however accept unused medication.
Yes we do. Our volunteers can support us in 2 different areas of work:
If you have interest to volunteer with us, please contact us at pr@hospismalaysia.org
Mahalinggam A/L Karpayah, 76 – Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) & Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia
“My husband was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s, but when his condition worsened, we were referred to Hospis Malaysia (HM).”
After retiring in January 2023, Jeyanthi enjoyed a holiday in Bali with her husband. Soon after, he contracted brain meningitis and everything changed. He became bedridden, unable to walk or speak, requiring full-time care. By April 2024, they finally received the correct diagnosis: progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), an irreversible condition.
“I went through denial, anger, and desperation. I spent so much trying to cure him, not realising I needed to focus on comfort instead.”
HM became her pillar of strength. In one pivotal conversation, Dr. Punitha helped Jeyanthi accept the reality of PSP and shift her focus from cure to quality of life. The team — including nurse Bazilah and rehabilitation therapists — taught her how to care for her husband gently and confidently, from safe exercises to communication through simple hand pressure and blinking. They also provided essential equipment to improve his comfort at home.
A year into HM’s care, her husband regained some mobility and could walk short distances with support.
“Palliative care isn’t just for patients — it’s for caregivers too. HM helped me care for my husband with dignity, but they also helped me care for myself.”
Today, Jeyanthi focuses on ensuring her husband’s days are filled with comfort, connection and love. “Without HM, I would have been lost. They gave us strength, knowledge and peace during the hardest time of our lives.”
Gilbert, 3 – Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumour (ATRT)
Gilbert was diagnosed with Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumour (ATRT), a rare and aggressive brain cancer, in April 2024 at nine months old. Having previously experienced Hospis Malaysia’s (HM) support during a family member’s end-of-life journey, his parents knew they needed the right guidance for the road ahead.
Gilbert underwent multiple surgeries, including the insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. While his hospital treatment was intensive, HM became the crucial link between hospital care and home recovery.
“HM became our gap filler,” the family said. “When hospital appointments were hard to secure, they were there to guide us.”
HM worked alongside hospital specialists and an external physiotherapist to support Gilbert’s rehabilitation. Their physiotherapist guided the family through structured daily exercises and recorded them to ensure therapy could continue consistently at home. Led by Dr. Wai Fong, the HM team also provided caregiver training, timely medical advice and recommendations for home modifications.
Today, Gilbert is cancer-free. The focus has shifted to rebuilding his strength and supporting his developmental milestones — learning to crawl, stand and walk independently.
“Looking back, there have been so many special moments with HM — seeing Gilbert kneel again, stand for a few extra seconds, and regain his strength. HM’s care goes far beyond medical support — they empower families, boost confidence, and make every milestone possible. Early palliative care can transform a recovery journey and for us, HM made all the difference.”
Gilbert’s story is a reminder that palliative care is not only about end-of-life — it can also be a vital source of support in recovery, rehabilitation and helping families move forward with confidence and hope.
Lung cancer
Liew Yen was diagnosed with lung cancer at the age of 82 and was referred to Hospis Malaysia (HM) by her doctors.
“At first, I felt nervous. But over time, it felt like friends coming to visit.”
Through regular visits, the HM team — including Su Jiun and Sang Sang — guided her with gentle, personalised physiotherapy. They taught her how to sit properly, stand safely, transfer to her wheelchair, and walk with a frame.
“With their exercises and encouragement, I slowly regained my independence. I can now go to the washroom and join family gatherings again.”
HM tailored every session to her abilities, never pushing beyond her limits. Beyond physical care, they also trained her husband and children on how to care for her safely at home, giving the whole family confidence and reassurance.
“Their care is professional, compassionate, and truly dedicated. We are deeply grateful.”
For Liew Yen, HM’s support has restored not only mobility, but also dignity, comfort and peace of mind for her family.
Heart failure
Michael was diagnosed in June 2021, shortly after undergoing bypass surgery. Just three weeks after being discharged, he suffered two heart attacks during the height of the pandemic.
“When I reached the hospital, I told my son, ‘I don’t think I’m going to make it.’”
His son replied, “I’m going to give you strength — your daughter-in-law is pregnant.”
That hope carried him through. His grandson was born the following year.
After discharge, Michael was referred to Hospis Malaysia (HM). “When I first heard ‘hospice,’ I thought it meant the end,” he admits. “But they gave me a different perspective. They helped me live.”
HM supported him beyond symptom control — reviewing his medications, adjusting pain management, and guiding him through the safe use of morphine. “When pain is controlled, frustration goes away. Sometimes it’s not anger — it’s the pain talking.”
The team also became a bridge between Michael and his family. “When I can’t explain things to my wife or children, HM helps them understand. They listen. They respond. I feel heard.”
Once an active man who loved gardening and working, Michael now has to pace himself carefully. With HM’s guidance, he has learned to manage his limits while maintaining dignity and independence.
“After hospital discharge, those first few months are critical. Without proper follow-up, patients can deteriorate quickly. With HM, I never felt abandoned. Their presence itself is therapeutic.”
Today, Michael finds strength in family, especially his young grandson. “They didn’t just manage my illness,” he says. “They gave me hope.”
Kanser Ovari Tahap 4
Norlina pertama kali didiagnosis dengan kanser ovari tahap 2C pada tahun 2009 ketika berusia 35 tahun. Sejak itu, beliau telah melalui beberapa pembedahan besar termasuk histerektomi pada tahun 2019.
Semasa dirawat di hospital, seorang pesakit lain memperkenalkan beliau kepada Hospis Malaysia (HM). Tidak lama selepas discaj, jururawat HM mula datang melawat ke rumah — dan sehingga kini masih setia bersamanya.
“Pada awalnya saya tak faham apa itu penjagaan paliatif. Tapi bila jururawat HM terangkan satu persatu, saya rasa sangat lega dan lebih tenang.”
Ketika pulang ke rumah, Norlina masih lemah dan bergantung kepada peralatan perubatan. Beliau juga takut untuk mengambil morfin. Namun dengan penerangan yang jelas dan jujur daripada jururawat HM, beliau akhirnya berani mencuba.
“Saya takut morfin. Tapi bila difahamkan tentang kebaikan dan risikonya, saya yakin untuk teruskan rawatan.”
Selain sokongan perubatan, HM turut menjadi kekuatan emosi buat Norlina, terutamanya ketika menjalani kemoterapi pada tahun 2023 yang menyebabkan beliau hilang rambut, hilang selera makan dan berasa sangat tertekan.
Dahulu aktif dalam sukan dan aktiviti luar, kini Norlina menggunakan kerusi roda akibat masalah tulang belakang. Walaupun pergerakannya terhad, beliau belajar untuk menerima bantuan dan menyesuaikan diri dengan keadaan baharu.
“Ramai terkejut bila tahu jururawat datang ke rumah secara percuma. Mereka tak tahu penjagaan paliatif komuniti wujud dan sangat membantu pesakit yang sudah tak larat ke hospital.”
Sejak menerima sokongan berterusan daripada HM, Norlina tidak lagi perlu ke unit kecemasan hampir dua tahun.
“Saya sangat bersyukur dengan kehadiran Hospis Malaysia dalam hidup saya. Mereka beri saya ketenangan, rasa selamat dan kekuatan untuk teruskan hidup.”
Colorectal Cancer
Madam Soo was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic. After surgery and months of adjusting to life with a stoma bag, she chose not to pursue chemotherapy despite a guarded prognosis. When the cancer relapsed in 2023 and spread to her lung, she went through multiple rounds of treatment, but the side effects were overwhelming.
That was when her daughter reached out to Hospis Malaysia (HM).
“At first, the word ‘hospice’ frightened me,” Madam Soo shares. “It felt like the end.” But meeting Nurse Mastura and Dr. Hashima changed everything. “They weren’t there to give up on me. They were there to help me live well.”
Through home visits, symptom management, emotional support and honest conversations, the team helped Madam Soo and her daughter prepare for what lay ahead — with clarity, comfort and dignity. From managing pain with morphine to being just one phone call away during emergencies, Hospis Malaysia became their pillar of strength.
Today, Madam Soo finds joy in simple things — ice cream, time with her grandchildren, conversations without fear. A proud Baba Nyonya who loves sewing and cooking, she treasures the photobook created with her family and the closeness they’ve gained through this journey.
“With HM, we found quality of life in this limited time,” she says. “More humane, more personal, more peaceful.”
Her advice: Don’t wait. Love deeply. Do what matters.