Cook

Hon Ying was known for her analytical mind. Back when she lived in a retirement apartment, she was already regarded as an opinion leader among fellow residents. After moving into the Home, she continued to speak up for others. Even nearing 100, she still held a “position”—serving as the Chair of the Home’s Food Committee. Each Mon Sheong Long-Term Care Centre has a Food Committee, which consists of resident representatives from each floor and provides feedback on the menu and dining services. Hon Ying was especially discerning when it comes to food, often joking that she didn’t know how to cook—only how to critique. To her, fresh ingredients were non-negotiable. She was very proactive: whenever her health permitted, she exercised regularly; and before the pandemic, she would even volunteer to help sort the cleaned cutlery, keeping both her eyes and her mind active.

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 settling in Hong Kong at the age of three with her family. She grew up in a well-off family. Her father owned eight rental properties and operated two restaurants, and the family lived in the Mid-Levels on Hong Kong Island. She was still in secondary school when the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong began in 1941, forcing her to cut her education short. 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. Though already in her sixties, but she adapted quickly to her new life. Every day, after taking her granddaughter to school, she joined neighbours in the park to learn Tai Chi. In 2002, Hon Ying and her daughter’s family moved downtown. Feeling lonely as one of the few Chinese residents in her neighborhood, she moved to a retirement residence in Scarborough. Most residents on her floor were Chinese. There, she exercised daily with neighbours for exercise, practised Tai Chi, and she also learned to play Mahjong. Proficient in English, she took the initiative to translate menus for her Chinese neighbours. She was regarded by the residents as the representative of the Chinese community and spent six happy years there.

Hon Ying once believed she would live there for the rest of her life. However, in 2008, she began to feel occasional numbness in her right leg which led to several falls. Her daughter, believing Mon Sheong offered better medical care than the retirement residence, applied for her to move there, and she was accepted later that same year. Though initially reluctant to leave, Hon Ying felt reassured after visiting: the environment was clean, the staff were friendly, and with her daughter’s encouragement, she moved into Mon Sheong Home for the Aged.

After the epidemic, calm returned to the Home. For 17 years, Hon Ying chose to spend her later years here, a testament to her trust in the residence. She was among many other residents who have entrusted their care to Mon Sheong, one of whom has been with us 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, explained that Mon Sheong cares for residents in four aspects: body, mind, social life, and spirit.

For physical health, the medical team, physiotherapists, dietitians, and nursing staff monitor residents’ condition and provide professional care, while the Dietary team offers food of varying textures—chopped or even pureed—tailored to individual needs to ensure adequate nutrition. For mental well-being, social workers address residents’ emotional needs and provide counseling, and the Activation team organizes programs to keep daily life stimulating and meaningful. Social connections are fostered through partnerships with community organizations, helping residents remain engaged with the outside world. Spiritual care is provided through visits from various religious groups, offering spiritual activities and support.

The Home is dedicated to helping new residents settle in while providing steadfast support to their families. Twice a year, we host gatherings for families of new residents and recruit members for the Family Council, allowing newcomers to benefit from shared experiences and peer support. Brenda hopes residents will see Mon Sheong as their home and continue to lead vibrant lives during their golden years to the fullest. Delivering the highest quality of service is our way of honouring residents’ trust.