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Learn about some caregiver support programmes that may empower you with strategies, techniques and knowledge to help you take better care of the patient in your life.
If you have never been a caregiver before, then you might be stressed or feel unprepared to take care of someone who needs special attention. That’s completely understandable. Caregiving can be quite overwhelming to some people at first, requiring you to consider many things, including important information and techniques for creating a safe and supportive environment for your care recipient. This is where caregiving support programmes come in.
Many caregiver training programmes teach important techniques and useful tips to assist you in your caregiver journey, ensuring you will be able to create a comfortable environment for both your care recipient and yourself.
Typical topics covered in caregiver training courses in Singapore may include:
- Personal care techniques, including proper bathing techniques and lift-and-carry techniques
- Learning to recognise early warning signs of health issues and illnesses (such as dementia), ways to check for basic vital signs and management of chronic illnesses
- Courses relating to specific diseases like dementia and stroke
- Courses on emotional coping and ways to access and take advantage of local resources for both caregivers and care recipients
- Clinical skills like tube feeding, catheter care and tracheostomy care
- Tips to maintain one’s health and well-being as a caregiver
Caregiver training can be conducted at the patient’s bedside or at training facilities. The training is usually conducted by a team of nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
If you have a family member who requires care, you may apply for the Caregivers Training Grant (CTG) to access subsidies for your course fees. There are over 40 training providers offering more than 200 CTG-approved courses covering eldercare and disability topics such as activities of daily living and dementia.
To join a caregiver support programme, visit Self-Care Tips.
Besides attending classes, you may also learn more by referring to some reading materials. The Agency for Integrated Care has produced caregiver guides on:
- Body Mechanics — a guide on how to move your loved one without injuring yourself and him/her
- Activities of Daily Living — a guide on how you can take care of your loved one’s personal hygiene needs
