Cha Chaan Teng-themed rehabilitation therapy helps engage patients

Enjoying meals at Cha Chaan Teng (Hong Kong-style cafe) is part of life for Hong Kong people. The Occupational Therapy Department at Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital (HKBH) has brought immersive Cha Chaan Teng experience into the hospital, offering weekly rehabilitation sessions for hospitalised patients who have cognitive decline or limited social engagement. Occupational therapists arrange patients to play the roles of customers or waiters based on their conditions, responsible for taking orders and handling bills. The menu includes both à la carte items and set meals, with difficulty levels adjusted by varying combinations.

The therapy received an overwhelming response from elderly patients. Bill Chan, Department Manager (Occupational Therapy) says the seniors were very engaged in the exercise. “Their performance surprises everyone. They have become much more proactive, interacting more with both patients and therapists, and even bringing this lively vibe back to the wards, enhancing the patient experience in hospital.” Elderly patients can improve their communication skills and stimulate cognitive abilities through active participation in the training, making them easier to adapt to community life after discharge.

The Cha Chaan Teng not only features classic ‘brick wall’ and ‘neon light signage’, but also covers its walls with signs of popular Cha Chaan Teng dishes, such as pineapple buns and milk tea, making the elderly more engaged and adding fun to the training. Bill also unveils that the department is considering to roll out a restaurant-themed rehabilitation in the wards with a dim sum cart where the elderly will need to ‘prepare food’ based on the menu. It sounds appealing, and we eagerly anticipate the expansion of the Cha Chaan Teng into the wards!