As Singapore’s population ages, more people are taking on the responsibility of caring for elderly loved ones. These caregivers often find themselves juggling multiple roles, caregivers, parents, employees and all while managing their own health and well-being. This constant balancing act can lead to a condition known as caregiver burnout, where the emotional, physical, and mental stress of caring for someone long-term becomes overwhelming.
Caregiver burnout is a growing issue in Singapore, with over 210,000 individuals currently serving as informal caregivers, according to estimates by the Ministry of Health. As our elderly population continues to rise, this number is only expected to grow, placing even more strain on these already stretched individuals.
Unseen commitments and stress from caregivers
Caregivers frequently face challenges that go unnoticed. Many do not speak up about the stress and exhaustion they experience, as they feel it is theirduty to care for their loved ones. However, the emotional toll of caregiving cannot be overstated. A survey by the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC)revealed that nearly half of caregivers experience burnout, particularly when caring for family members with chronic or severe illnesses.
We have a case of a caregiver whose 82-year-old mother is often uncommunicative and physically stiff. This lack of interaction makes it difficult for thecaregiver to gauge her mother in law’s needs and ensure she is well taken care of. Such challenges are common and can add layers of emotional andphysical strain, making the caregiving experience even more demanding.
Adding to the stress is the financial burden of caregiving. Informal caregiving contributes approximately SGD 1.28 billion annually to Singapore’s healthcare economy.This figure reflects the immense value and effort families dedicate to caring for their loved ones. However, it also highlights the significant personal sacrifices caregivers make, often at the expense of their own health and financial well-being
In addressing the current support
Thankfully, Singapore offers several support programmes to ease the burden on caregivers. The government’s Caregivers Training Grant (CTG) provides financial assistance for caregivers to attend training courses that teach them how to provide better care and manage their stress. Such programmes aim to equip caregivers with the tools they need to navigate their demanding roles.
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) also play a crucial role in supporting caregivers. Dementia Singapore’s CARA membership, for example, offers caregivers access to resources, support groups, and a community of others who understand their struggles. Respite care services provided by various community centres allow caregivers to take breaks, knowing that their loved ones are being cared for by professionals.
This is particularly important as Singapore braces for a projected rise in dementia cases. By 2030, more than 100,000 people in Singapore are expected to suffer from dementia, up from just over 82,000 in 2018. Caregivers of dementia patients often face additional challenges, such as managing memory loss and personality changes, which can be emotionally draining and require specialised care.
Can innovation ease caregiver strain?
In addition to government programmes and community support, technology is beginning to play a larger role in easing the burden on caregivers. Programmes like SPARK, which focuses on technology to create personalised care plans that address the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of care recipients, are helping to reduce the strain on caregivers. By using OMNIFIT technology to track a person’s mental and physical health, caregivers can receive valuable information that helps them provide better care.
However, it is not a complete solution. There needs to be continued collaboration between the government, NGOs, and organisations to develop comprehensive support systems that address the diverse needs of caregivers.
A need for shared responsibility
As Singapore’s population continues to age, the demand for caregiving will only increase. The pressures on caregivers, many of whom are ageing themselves, will grow alongside this demand. In 2010-2011, the former Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) commissioned a Survey on Informal Caregiving, which found that nearly 45% of potential caregivers said they needed help or training to properly care for an elderly family member aged 75 and above.
These statistics underscore the fact that caregiving is not just a private family matter but a public health issue that requires collective action. Caregivers report higher stress levels when they face disrupted schedules, financial strain, and health problems due to their caregiving responsibilities. By offering more accessible training, financial assistance, and community support, we can help alleviate these pressures.
The observance of World Alzheimer’s Day reminds us of the growing burden that dementia places on both caregivers and society. While there are support systems in place, they are not yet enough. The voices of caregivers calling for more help in managing these rising challenges must be heard.
The path ahead
It goes without saying that caregivers are the unsung heroes of our society. They dedicate their time, energy, and love to ensuring that their family members are well cared for, often at great personal cost. As a society, we must do more to support them.
Through financial assistance, community engagement, and the integration of new technologies, training, and services by both public and private providers, we can work towards lightening the load on caregivers. By doing so, we not only ensure the well-being of our elderly population but also help caregivers maintain their own health and quality of life.
The journey ahead requires a collective effort. Government agencies, NGOs, private companies, and communities must come together to create a more robust support system for caregivers. Only by acknowledging the challenges caregivers face and addressing their needs can we build a more compassionate and caring society.
Contributed by Sangchul Lee, Chief Operating Officer at iKare
Images: Envato
