Feel Empowered With Insightful Caregiver Resources
As a caregiver, you play an essential role in supporting your loved one’s journey as they go through advanced illnesses. Caregiving is a deeply meaningful experience, but we understand that it can be challenging when you do not have adequate help at hand.
At Singapore Hospice Council (SHC), we want to empower you with the right resources to support you through your caregiving journey.
Caregiver Support For Your Journey
Palliative care is at the heart of caregiving, which focuses on improving the quality of life of patients with advanced illnesses. Caregivers can achieve this goal by managing patient’s symptoms, providing emotional support and addressing their spiritual needs.
There are different types of palliative care services available in Singapore, depending on your loved one’s needs.
- Home Palliative Care: Support in the comfort of your loved one’s home.
- Day Palliative Care: Day programme with activities and social interaction for your loved one.
- Inpatient Palliative Care: Support in a hospice or hospital setting.
- Consultative Services: Support through telemedicine or phone consultations.
Learn more about what you need to know about palliative care here. You may also view our list of palliative care wards and service providers below for more guidance on how to support the needs of your loved one:
- Inpatient Hospice and Palliative Care Wards in Community Hospitals
- Palliative Care Services Providers
As a caregiver, it’s also important to have a good understanding of the different types of medications and how to administer them. At the same time, your ability to recognise the symptoms of pain and other illnesses can help you provide the necessary care to your loved one. Since diet plays an important part in health, learning how to prepare nutritious meals is also essential to help your loved one feel better.
Our resources below will provide you with the important information you need throughout your caregiving journey:
Caregiving is a journey that requires ongoing learning and growth. As you continue, it’s important to take the time to reflect on your own personal growth and development. This can help you find a greater sense of purpose and meaning in your role as a caregiver. At the same time, upgrading your knowledge and skills makes you more confident in your ability to provide care and support to your loved one.
Caregiving is an emotional commitment as much as it’s a physical one. When a loved one is lost, being able to take care of yourself can help you cope with your grief and find healing. Learning how to prepare yourself before a loved one’s death is the first step, which you can begin by recognising their final hours characterised by behavioural and emotional changes. This gives you the time to process your emotions and prepare for the inevitable loss. Your ability to regulate your emotions as a caregiver will allow you to provide the best possible care and support to your loved one in their final moments as part of end-of-life planning.
It’s important to remember that grief is a natural and complex process, and everyone experiences it differently. By understanding the stages of grief and taking care of your physical and emotional well-being, you can find comfort and healing in your own time.
We hope our resources below will support you through this inevitable part of your caregiving journey:
- Caring for Yourself After a Death
- Understanding the Final Hours
- Grief and Bereavement Resources
- Community Bereavement Service Providers
You may view our workshops and conferences on palliative care online and register your interest. If you’re passionate about raising awareness of palliative care, you can become a palliative care volunteer with us in Singapore.
Consultative palliative care services involve a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and social workers, who provide expert advice and support to patients, families, and other healthcare providers. These services are designed to assist with managing complex symptoms, decision-making, and communication about care goals and preferences. Consultative palliative care services can also assist with advance care planning, such as discussions around end-of-life care or inpatient hospice care services in Singapore, as well as making difficult medical decisions.
Caregiver Support: Difficult but Necessary Topics and Conversations
Taking on the role of a caregiver for someone receiving palliative care can feel overwhelming. Part of this journey involves having some of the most difficult topics or conversations life throws into our way. But remember, by having these points taken care of early on, you can ensure your readiness and make sure your loved one receives the care and support they deserve.
Approaching the topic of palliative care is your first step to begin thinking about your attitudes towards death. This will allow you to discuss openly with your family and loved ones.
Caregiving can be challenging, but it can also be rewarding and fulfilling. It’s good to be compassionate and dedicated, but do remember to take breaks and practise self-care to avoid caregiver burnout, and look for ways to incorporate fun and enjoyable activities into your caregiving routine.
Caregiving can be physically and emotionally demanding. Seek support from others and take breaks to avoid caregiver burnout.
Grief is a complex process, and everyone experiences it differently. Reach out for support and take time to find acceptance and closure.
Pre-planning funerals can provide peace of mind for loved ones. It also allows for wishes to be respected, which makes such conversations important to have with your loved ones who are in palliative care.
Caregivers need time and space to recharge. Allow yourself to take breaks and practise self-care.
Building resilience is crucial for caregivers to prevent burnout. Singapore Hospice Council supports resources to help you identify strengths and develop coping mechanisms.