A Lifeline for Caregivers

SINGAPORE – In a heartwarming story, Jean Lim found herself thrust into the role of caregiver for her 71-year-old mother after a sudden fall in February. Her mother required leg surgery following the incident at an MRT station on the eve of Chinese New Year, leading to the diagnosis of degenerative disc disease, a condition that deteriorates the spinal discs over time.

Despite her mother's desire to maintain independence and live alone after being discharged from the hospital, Jean—a busy mother of three—quickly faced the overwhelming reality of caregiving. She realized that modifications such as grab bars in the shower and arranging for home therapy required extensive planning and effort.

"I was actually caught a bit unprepared," Jean expressed. "I didn’t know where to go for help." But now, there’s a beacon of hope.

Introducing CarePal: A Revolutionary Online Portal

To assist caregivers like Jean, Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) has launched CarePal, an innovative online portal designed to be a comprehensive resource for those supporting their loved ones. Integrated into the NHG Health mobile app, CarePal enables caregivers to create detailed profiles of their care recipients, generating customized resource packages tailored specifically to their needs.

Among its impressive features is a unique ‘caregiving calculator’ that estimates the financial costs associated with caregiving. Additionally, CarePal offers a rich resource library filled with articles, videos, and infographics to help caregivers navigate community services, support their loved ones, and manage their own well-being amidst the challenges of caregiving.

Strengthening the Caregiving Community

CarePal is part of Project Carer Matters 2, a major initiative by TTSH aimed at enhancing Singapore's caregiving ecosystem. This project, supported by the National Research Foundation, builds on earlier efforts introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic to address the unique challenges faced by caregivers.

Under this initiative, TTSH is collaborating with the Home Nursing Foundation to launch a befriending program that connects experienced caregivers with newcomers, creating a supportive community.

Nursing deputy director Chan Ee Yuee emphasized the urgency for such initiatives, citing research that revealed approximately one-third of caregivers are at risk of depression and face diminished quality of life. With the growing aging population in Singapore—predicted to have over 21% aged 65 or older by 2030—the number of full-time caregivers, which stood at around 210,000 in a 2010 report, is set to soar.

Innovative Tech for Enhanced Safety

Looking ahead, Dr. Chan hopes CarePal can extend its benefits to all caregivers across Singapore, beyond those affiliated with the NHG Health cluster. The initiative is also piloting a cutting-edge fall detection system courtesy of healthtech firm Conex Healthcare. This smart technology utilizes cameras and thermal imaging to monitor for falls, instantly notifying a command center to alert caregivers and emergency services.

Jean Lim has already installed this new system in her mother’s home and finds it incredibly reassuring. "Especially for caregivers who can’t be there daily, it gives us peace of mind," she shared.

With innovations like CarePal and the fall detection system, TTSH is leading the charge in creating a more supportive and safer environment for caregivers, making their challenging journey a little easier.