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Published on 13 Dec 2024 by Jay P.
As Singapore's population continues to age, the role of foreign domestic workers in elderly care has become more critical than ever. A recent initiative enables these workers to learn basic medical skills, empowering them to better support employers with chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
This development aligns with findings from a SingHealth Polyclinics study, which revealed that less than half of hired helpers are equipped to address the healthcare needs of the elderly. With more than 80% of seniors aged 65 and above living with at least one chronic disease, this initiative is both timely and necessary.
Bridging the skills gap in elderly care
The SingHealth Polyclinics study highlighted a significant gap in the ability of domestic workers to manage the healthcare needs of elderly employers. This gap stems from limited training opportunities and a lack of emphasis on medical skills during the hiring process.
Addressing this issue, SingHealth Polyclinics and other organisations are introducing training programs that equip domestic workers with basic medical knowledge and skills.
Key components of these programs include:
- Chronic disease management: Understanding conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis, including their symptoms and risk factors.
- Monitoring vital signs: Learning to measure blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and pulse rates accurately.
- Emergency response: Recognising warning signs of medical emergencies such as heart attacks or strokes and knowing how to respond.
- Medication Management: Ensuring timely and correct administration of prescribed medications.
Benefits for employers and domestic workers
This initiative benefits both employers and helpers. Elderly employers with chronic conditions can receive better care tailored to their needs, potentially improving their quality of life. For helpers, acquiring these skills enhances their professional value, opening doors to better job opportunities and higher wages.
Employers also gain peace of mind knowing their loved ones are cared for by individuals trained to handle their specific medical needs. This not only strengthens the employer-helper relationship but also alleviates the caregiving burden on family members.
Leveraging online training with Ministry of Helpers and StepUp
Ministry of Helpers, in collaboration with StepUp, provides online training videos that offer valuable resources for domestic workers, particularly in elderly care. These videos cover a wide range of topics, including chronic disease management, emergency response techniques, and proper caregiving practices.
By making these materials accessible online, Ministry of Helpers ensures that helpers can conveniently enhance their skills and knowledge, enabling them to provide better care for their elderly employers.
You might be interested in:
Helper Tips: Home Cleaning and Management
8 Ways to Improve Your Cooking Skills for Your Employer in Singapore
How to Take Care of a Newborn Baby
Unlocking Opportunities: Free Domestic Helper Classes in Singapore
As Singapore's population continues to age, the role of foreign domestic workers in elderly care has become more critical than ever. A recent initiative enables these workers to learn basic medical skills, empowering them to better support employers with chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
This development aligns with findings from a SingHealth Polyclinics study, which revealed that less than half of hired helpers are equipped to address the healthcare needs of the elderly. With more than 80% of seniors aged 65 and above living with at least one chronic disease, this initiative is both timely and necessary.
Bridging the skills gap in elderly care
The SingHealth Polyclinics study highlighted a significant gap in the ability of domestic workers to manage the healthcare needs of elderly employers. This gap stems from limited training opportunities and a lack of emphasis on medical skills during the hiring process.
Addressing this issue, SingHealth Polyclinics and other organisations are introducing training programs that equip domestic workers with basic medical knowledge and skills.
Key components of these programs include:
- Chronic disease management: Understanding conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis, including their symptoms and risk factors.
- Monitoring vital signs: Learning to measure blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and pulse rates accurately.
- Emergency response: Recognising warning signs of medical emergencies such as heart attacks or strokes and knowing how to respond.
- Medication Management: Ensuring timely and correct administration of prescribed medications.
Benefits for employers and domestic workers
This initiative benefits both employers and helpers. Elderly employers with chronic conditions can receive better care tailored to their needs, potentially improving their quality of life. For helpers, acquiring these skills enhances their professional value, opening doors to better job opportunities and higher wages.
Employers also gain peace of mind knowing their loved ones are cared for by individuals trained to handle their specific medical needs. This not only strengthens the employer-helper relationship but also alleviates the caregiving burden on family members.
Leveraging online training with Ministry of Helpers and StepUp
Ministry of Helpers, in collaboration with StepUp, provides online training videos that offer valuable resources for domestic workers, particularly in elderly care. These videos cover a wide range of topics, including chronic disease management, emergency response techniques, and proper caregiving practices.
By making these materials accessible online, Ministry of Helpers ensures that helpers can conveniently enhance their skills and knowledge, enabling them to provide better care for their elderly employers.
You might be interested in:
Helper Tips: Home Cleaning and Management
8 Ways to Improve Your Cooking Skills for Your Employer in Singapore
How to Take Care of a Newborn Baby
Unlocking Opportunities: Free Domestic Helper Classes in Singapore