Introduction
Caring for our seniors is a noble yet challenging task, especially in a society like Singapore, where the population is gracefully ageing. President Halimah Yacob rightly points out the importance of mental health for seniors and the need to address the struggles faced by their caregivers.
Understanding the Challenge
The National Population Health Survey 2021 reveals a concerning trend – seniors aged 60 to 74 are hesitant to seek mental health support. Caregivers, too, face unique challenges, often grappling with family circumstances, employment issues, and the stigma associated with mental health.
The Rise in Senior Population
Data from the Department of Statistics show that the proportion of residents aged 65 and over has increased to 16.6% in 2022. As our seniors grow in number, so does the responsibility of caregivers, leading to a potential rise in caregiver burnout.
Caregiver Burnout: A Silent Struggle
President Halimah recognises the silent struggle faced by caregivers. Many find themselves caring for loved ones without proper treatment or dealing with the stress of balancing work and caregiving. This often results in burnout, isolation, and, if left unaddressed, can escalate to depression.
President’s Challenge 2023: Supporting Caregivers
To alleviate these challenges, the focus of President’s Challenge 2023 is providing better support to caregivers. The theme acknowledges the vital role caregivers play in the overall well-being of seniors and calls for community support.
Club Heal: A Beacon of Support
Club Heal, founded in 2012, stands as a beacon of support for those dealing with mental health conditions and their caregivers. With almost a decade of service, the organisation has supported close to 10,000 clients and caregivers.
Empowering Caregivers
Club Heal’s programmes encompass counselling, therapy, and a back-to-work initiative, aiming to empower caregivers and beneficiaries. The focus is not only on the individuals with mental health conditions but also on ensuring caregivers have the necessary resources to provide effective care.
The back-to-work initiative, backed by their Employment Support Officers, readies their clients for community and workforce reintegration. In twelve weeks, they cover workplace skills, followed by hands-on experience in roles like customer service and administration. They assist in their external job search and provide support for six months post-employment.
Community-Based Support
In collaboration with the Institute of Mental Health, Club Heal is part of a pilot project under the President’s Challenge. Trained to provide intervention and support for young people with mild to moderate mental health conditions, this initiative reinforces the community-based approach towards mental wellness.
Reducing Stigma, Encouraging Help-Seeking
Efforts by Club Heal and other social service agencies have yielded positive results. The National Population Health Survey 2021 indicates a rise in Singapore residents willing to seek help for stress – a commendable shift from 47.8% in 2019 to 58.3% in 2021.
Remember, seeking help is a courageous step towards understanding and coping with your situation – your well-being matters, and support is just a conversation away.
Conclusion
As we navigate the challenges of an ageing population, caregivers become the unsung heroes. Recognising the signs of caregiver burnout and promoting mental wellness not only benefits the caregivers but also contributes to the overall health and happiness of our seniors. Through initiatives like Club Heal and the President’s Challenge, Singapore is taking strides towards a more supportive and compassionate community, ensuring that no caregiver walks this journey alone.
Looking to give back to your community and make a difference in the lives of caregivers and their beneficiaries? Join us at SG Assist and CareConnect. Download the SG Assist app or sign up as a volunteer for our Caregiver Resource Centre to lend a helping hand, and visit our websites at SG Assist and CareConnect to learn more about our services. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for the latest updates and resources here.
Story was adapted from The Straits Times, https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/mental-health-of-seniors-and-caregivers-must-be-supported-president-halimah#:~:text=%E2%80%9CSometimes%2C%20being%20a%20caregiver%20can,Challenge%202023%2C%20Madam%20Halimah%20added.
