How to find the right helper for your eldercare needs
3-minute read
Let’s face it. We are all getting old!
As our aged population grows, so does the demand for eldercare services. As most of us are busy with work, more households are turning to foreign domestic workers (FDWs) to care for the elderly.
Yet, eldercare is far more physically, mentally and emotionally challenging than it seems. Ageing has many complexities that only trained caregivers can handle calmly and efficiently. Many employers underestimate the specialised skills required to care for the elderly and hire ill-equipped domestic helpers. A 2023 study by SingHealth Polyclinics (SHP) found that almost half of foreign domestic workers (FDWs) hired to care for the elderly lack adequate skills.
Looking for someone to care for your elderly loved one(s)? Start by asking yourself these questions:
1. Have I thoroughly screened the agency?
It’s wise to do a thorough background check before approaching the agency. Select a reputable company from the Ministry of Manpower’s list of licensed agents. While an experienced agency may not guarantee the highest quality maids, it may assure you that they won’t cease operations abruptly.
Take the time to call up the agencies you’re interested in to inquire about their screening processes. An agency that screens its candidates thoroughly will more likely find you a quality eldercare helper best suited for your family’s needs.
Exercise prudence and look through the listed agency’s website or social platforms, if they are available. A company with a good online presence shows that they’re not afraid of being transparent – and that’s always comforting.
Reviews from others who have used a service are a foolproof way to understand a company’s standards. Better yet, ask friends and family members for personal recommendations for maid agencies.
2. Does the FDW have formal eldercare training?
Firstly, we need to establish that a domestic helper and a caregiver have different job scopes.
A domestic helper can assist with caregiving duties, but she may not have the proper skills to deliver care safely. Her main role is to take care of the house. Conversely, while a caregiver can assist with housekeeping duties, her main responsibility and expertise is administering care, for which she would have undergone formal training.
A certified eldercare helper would be competent with basic medical procedures like first-aid, measuring pulse rate, giving medication and preparing healthy food according to dietary restrictions. Eldercare courses often impart skills in caring for the elderly suffering from stroke, dementia, diabetes, Parkinson’s or cancer. These skills would be extremely beneficial if your relative has any of these conditions.
Prioritise finding an eldercare helper that fulfils your requirements over the most ideal one. Getting a qualified and experienced eldercare helper can be advantageous as she would have the knowledge and experience in dealing with different elders and situations. But, a fresh eldercare course graduate can be equally capable too.
3. What exactly will I need the helper to do?
Knowing the specific care needed for your elderly helps you decide whether you need an eldercare helper. How mobile is this family member? Can he/she perform day-to-day tasks independently? Is there a chronic illness? Is he/she recovering from surgery/injury and requires rehabilitation?
Also remember: domestic helpers and caregivers have different responsibilities; one person should not be expected to fulfil both roles. Setting these expectations at the start ensures your eldercare helper is able to focus on her primary role and is treated fairly. Your eldercare helper should still work reasonable hours where she can get enough rest to perform her tasks well. She is also entitled to a day off per week to properly relax and socialise.
4. Are there communication barriers?
Assess if the eldercare helper is fluent in the same language/dialect as your family members. Barriers to communication can lead to frustration and tension. The FDW should be able to communicate effectively with the elderly, keeping them company and administering proper care.
On your part, understand that as this isn’t the helper’s first language; her vocabulary is limited. Keep your instructions as simple as possible. Be patient and ready to help her if she has any language-related questions.
Get MSIG MaidPlus insurance
We hope these tips will help you select the right eldercare helper for your family to provide the right care for your elderly. While she dedicates herself to caring for the elderly, protect her well-being with MSIG MaidPlus insurance.
Our policies have been updated to reflect MOM’s latest requirements that safeguard not just FDWs, but also the interests of employers. Click to learn more about MSIG MaidPlus insurance and the comprehensive coverage we provide.
From time to time, we have exclusive promotions on our insurance plans. View our latest deals here!
