Queen Elizabeth Hospital Reduces Elderly and Youth Patients, Enhances Family Support for Home Care Challenges

In a stark plea to combat patient abandonment, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) has dramatically reduced the number of “elderly for care” (EFC) and “young for care” (YFC) patients to just 25, while making support services available to help families manage complex home care challenges.

Speaking during the QEH Pulse Radio Show, Monique Edwards, the head of the 600-bed hospital’s bed management unit, said new measures streamline the patient journey from admission to discharge, including informing family members of likely discharge dates upon admission.

“We follow the journey of the patient from admission right through to discharge,” she said.

“The aim is to get patients admitted to the right bed at the right time, treated, and back home as quickly as possible. As soon as a patient is admitted, we let their family know when they are likely to go home,” she added, noting that though it is not always a definite date, families are given time to install ramps or make home modifications as necessary for the return of their loved one.

Edwards further acknowledged the emotional and practical challenges that families face when caring for elderly relatives with complex needs.

“When it’s time for discharge, it can be difficult, especially for elderly persons who might have dementia, Parkinson’s, or other age-related conditions,” she said.

“Families are often overwhelmed because they don’t know how to handle these situations. For example, someone may just be fed but insist they haven’t eaten all day. It’s heartbreaking for the loved ones and can feel impossible to manage.”

To address these challenges, the hospital has partnered with the Transitional Community Care Programme (TCCP) and social services to provide training and resources for families.

“What we’ve started to do is proactively teach families how to better care for their loved ones. This builds confidence and reduces the anxiety they feel about managing these situations at home,” Edwards said.

Further recognising the toll caregiving can take on families, the hospital also offers respite options such as adult daycare services.

Edwards said: “Sometimes caregivers just need a break… a few hours to relax or run errands. This helps them recharge and continue providing the best care possible.”

For families without strong support networks, QEH’s social workers assist by connecting them to government or non-governmental organisations for additional help.