In a heartfelt story out of Singapore, Jean Lim found herself unprepared when she suddenly became the primary caregiver for her 71-year-old mother following a serious fall. Her mother, who sustained injuries at an MRT station just before the Chinese New Year, later faced a daunting diagnosis of degenerative disc disease.

Despite being discharged from the hospital, the elderly woman opted to live independently, prompting Ms. Lim, a busy mother of three children aged 4 to 13, to navigate the overwhelming responsibilities of caregiving. She quickly discovered the immense challenges involved, from installing safety grab bars in the bathroom to arranging home therapy services.

“I felt a bit lost, honestly. I had no idea where to start looking for help,” the 42-year-old financial sector worker admitted.

Introducing CarePal: A Lifeline for Caregivers

In response to the struggles faced by caregivers like Ms. Lim, Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) has unveiled an innovative online portal called CarePal. This platform, embedded within the NHG Health mobile app, aims to be a comprehensive resource for caregivers.

By allowing users to create profiles for their loved ones in care, CarePal tailors resource packages to meet specific needs. This includes a pioneering "caregiving calculator" to estimate potential caregiving costs and a well-curated library of articles, videos, and infographics covering community services and caregiver self-care tips.

Part of a Larger Initiative: Project Carer Matters 2

CarePal is just one facet of the extensive Project Carer Matters 2 initiative by TTSH, designed to bolster Singapore’s caregiving ecosystem. Supported by the National Research Foundation, this project builds on previous efforts that emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic to alleviate caregiver challenges.

Additionally, TTSH is collaborating with the Home Nursing Foundation to launch a befriending program that pairs seasoned caregivers with those new to the journey, fostering a vital peer support network.

Addressing the Needs of Caregivers