AWWA rolls out 3 initiatives to help caregivers
By Joanne Chan, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 18 February 2010 1829 hrs

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SINGAPORE: More help and resources will be provided in the coming year for family caregivers of the elderly and disabled.

The Asian Women's Welfare Association (AWWA) is rolling out three new initiatives to ensure that caregivers are supported physically and emotionally.

Madam Tay Et, a caregiver, has been taking care of her disabled son Kelvin Lee for the past decade.

Kelvin lost the use of his limbs to a muscular disease at the age of ten, and Madam Tay quit her job as a factory worker to become a full-time caregiver.

For the last 11 years, she has been responsible for all aspects of Kelvin's life - from brushing his teeth to massaging his limbs.

"When my son became sick, a lot of people blamed me for his condition, so I was very stressed out," Madam Tay said. "But after a while, I got to know of AWWA and with their support, I ignored what other people said and counted on myself to take care of my son."

With Singapore's rapidly ageing population, it is estimated that one in five residents will be above the age of 65 by 2030. More than 200,000 caregivers will be needed to support the elderly and the disabled.

AWWA said caregivers often forget about their own needs or do not know where to turn for help.

The organisation added that caregivers often feel isolated and fatigue, and as a result, face high levels of stress and frustration.

Hence, the organisation is bringing help directly to caregivers.

An initiative was started earlier this year to conduct workshops in companies and organisations for caregivers who have to balance work and family.

The workshops are two-hour long and conducted during lunchtime to ensure that employees can attend the training. Topics such as managing emotional needs and solving family conflicts are covered.

Also in the pipeline is a training programme conducted via the telephone to reach out to those unable to leave home, and an online portal to provide a sharing platform and resource guide for family caregivers.

AWWA hopes to roll out these two initiatives by the end of this year.

- CNA/yb