Like the other volunteers from Portrait from the Heart, Ms Tan understands the importance of taking such family photos.
Ms Tan’s grandfather died in December last year after being in and out of the intensive care unit a few times.
On one occasion when he was discharged, Ms Tan realised that she did not have a recent family photo with him, the last one having been taken in 2015.
“I didn’t want to have regrets of not having a full family picture with him and with my family. So we arranged one, and … about a week later, he passed on. I’m very grateful that I have a (recent) picture together with him,” she said.
CHANGE IN ATTITUDES
While some are still resistant to the idea of having photos taken in such circumstances, people are generally open to it, said Mr Loh.
“Over time, I think people are more receptive to taking family portraits unlike in the past where in a setting like this, people will be more taboo, knowing that their time is running out,” he said, adding that his team now receives more requests.
Taking on about 100 requests each year, Portrait from the Heart now works with around 10 hospices, charities, and health groups.
