As our population ages, caregiving has become an increasingly common role for many women in Singapore. However, this responsibility can come at a cost, with many caregivers facing challenges such as ageism in the workplace, financial stress, and social isolation. In this blog post, we will explore these challenges in-depth and provide tips and resources for older women who are caring for their elderly loved ones.
Ageism in the Workplace
As older women balance their caregiving responsibilities with work, they may face ageism in the workplace, including being overlooked for promotions, being forced to retire early, or being discriminated against in the hiring process. This can lead to financial stress and a lack of confidence. To overcome ageism in the workplace, caregivers can:
- Update their skills and knowledge through training and networking opportunities
- Emphasize their experience and expertise when applying for jobs or promotions
- Speak up and advocate for themselves in the workplace
Caregiving Burden
Many caregivers face a significant caregiving burden, which can lead to stress, burnout, and social isolation. To ease the caregiving burden, caregivers can:
- Seek support from family members, friends, or support groups
- Delegate tasks to other family members or professional caregivers
- Take breaks and practice self-care activities such as exercise or meditation
Financial Stress
Caring for an elderly loved one can come with significant financial costs, including medical expenses, home modifications, and lost income from reduced work hours or leaving the workforce entirely. To reduce financial stress, caregivers can:
- Research and apply for financial assistance programs or subsidies
- Consider alternative work arrangements such as flexible hours or remote work
- Seek professional financial advice
Conclusion
Caring for an elderly loved one can be challenging, but caregivers do not have to face these challenges alone. By seeking support, advocating for themselves, and taking steps to reduce the caregiving burden and financial stress, older women can navigate through these challenges and find balance in their caregiving responsibilities and personal lives.
As a caregiver, we understand that you need all the support you can get. At SG Assist, we provide home monitoring services and a range of resources to help make your caregiving journey smoother. Visit our websites at SG Assist and CareConnect, to learn more about what we offer. Alternatively, you could also visit our Caregiver Resource Centre to find out more. And don’t forget to join our mailing list here to stay updated with the latest news and resources. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
References:
This article is based on the report “Older Women and Caregiving in Singapore” by the Centre for Ageing Research and Education at Duke-NUS Medical School, supported by the Tsao Foundation.
