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At the age of 99, Hon Ying had lived in the Mon Sheong Home for the Aged located in downtown Toronto for 17 years — meaning she had spent nearly one-fifth of her life here. During her time here, she received attentive care from the staff, enjoyed the company of fellow residents, and actively took part in various activities, leading a fulfilling and joyful later life. Over her 17 years at Mon Sheong, Hon Ying experienced the changes of the times together with the home and witnessed many touching stories along the way.

Hon Ying always had an analytical mind. Back when she lived in a retirement apartment, she was already regarded by fellow residents as an opinion leader. After moving into the long-term care home, she continued to speak on behalf of other residents. Even at the remarkable age of nearly 100, she still held a “position”—serving as the chairperson of the home’s Food Committee. According to the Ministry of Long-Term Care, every long-term care centre must have a Residents’ Council, giving residents a voice on the affairs of the home. One of its sub-committees is the Food Committee, which is composed of representatives from each floor and is responsible for providing feedback and suggestions on meals. Hon Ying was particular about food and liked to say she didn’t know how to cook, only how to judge whether something tastes good—fresh ingredients are a must. She was very proactive : when her health allowed, she exercised regularly, and before the pandemic, she would even offer to help sort the washed dishes, exercising both her eyes and her mind.

Hon Ying was born in Hong Kong in 1926. Her father, originally from China, had lived in Chile, so she spent some time there before moving with her family to settle in Hong Kong at the age of three. She grew up in a wealthy family. Her father owned eight rental properties and operated two restaurants, and they lived in the Mid-Levels on Hong Kong Island. She was in secondary school when Hong Kong was occupied by Japan in 1941, and had to stop her studies. After the city was liberated, she married under her father’s arrangement. She devoted herself to her family, staying at home to care for her five children. After her husband passed away, she moved to Toronto in 1989 with her youngest daughter. By then she was already in her sixties, but she adapted quickly to her new life. Every day, after taking her granddaughter to school, she would go to the park with neighbors to learn Tai Chi. In 2002, Hon Ying and her daughter’s family moved downtown. Feeling lonely among mostly foreign neighbors, she moved to a retirement residence in Scarborough. The floor she lived on was mostly Chinese. Every morning, she went out with her neighbors for exercise, practiced Tai Chi, and there she also learned to play Mahjong. Proficient in English, she took the initiative to translate the menu for her Chinese neighbors, who came to see her as their representative. She spent six happy years there.

Hon Ying thought she would live there forever, but in 2008 her right leg began to go numb and she fell several times. Her daughter, believing Mon Sheong offered better medical care than the retirement residence, applied for her to move there, and she was accepted by year’s end. Though reluctant to leave, Hon Ying felt reassured after visiting : the place was clean, the staff were friendly, and with her daughter’s encouragement, she moved into Mon Sheong Home for the Aged.

The epidemic passed, and the home returned calm. For 17 years, Hon Ying chose to spend her later years here, a testament to her trust in the home. Many other residents have likewise placed their trust in Mon Sheong, with the longest-serving resident having lived here for 19 years. Mon Sheong is committed to providing residents like Hon Ying with a comfortable environment and comprehensive care. Brenda Mok, Acting Administrator of Mon Sheong Home for the Aged, said that Mon Sheong cares for residents in four aspects : body, mind, social life, and spirit.

For physical health, the medical team, physiotherapists, nutritionists, and nursing staff monitor residents’ condition and provide support, while the dietary team offers food of varying textures—chopped or even pureed—according to residents’ needs to ensure adequate nutrition. For mental well-being, social workers attend to residents’ emotional needs and provide counseling, and the activities team organizes programs to keep daily life engaging. Social connections are supported through ties with community organizations, helping residents stay connected to the outside world. For spiritual care, various religious groups visit the home to provide spiritual activities and support.

Regarding new residents, the home helps them settle in and supports their families. Twice a year, it holds gatherings for families and recruits members for the Family Council, giving newcomers support from those with shared experiences. Brenda hopes residents can see Mon Sheong as home and enjoy their golden years. Providing the best quality service is our way of honoring residents’ trust.