Mdm Elaine Lim, 78 years old, lives alone in a four-room Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat. Her husband, Jerry, passed away two years ago. Mdm Lim has been recently diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer. There are options for treatment. However, Mdm Lim refuses treatment. For now, she is weak but still able to care for her daily needs. She prefers to remain at home and not stay in a hospital or residential care setting when she gets weaker and wants to die at home. She also wants to be at home with her son, David, 45 years old, who is intellectually challenged.

Mdm Lim used to work as a primary school teacher. She and her husband had lived frugally on their savings to care for their own needs and that of David. They did not want to trouble their other two children who are married and have to provide for their own families. Their two other children have been living abroad. Grace, 50 years old had settled in Hong Kong, and James, 48 years old, had settled in New Zealand.

Grace has returned to persuade Mdm Lim to go to a palliative care setting where she can be cared for well and be comfortable. She and her brother James have offered to cover the expenses of Mdm Lim’s care. Mdm Lim, however, has refused their help as she does not want to be a burden. She prefers instead to prepare for her death, saying she is not afraid of that eventuality. Mdm Lim has on her own, made her funeral arrangements with a Christian casket company. She has also prepared her Will and a Lasting Power of Attorney.