A New Era of Caregiving in Singapore

SINGAPORE – Imagine suddenly becoming a caregiver for a beloved family member. That was the reality for Ms. Jean Lim this past February when her 71-year-old mother suffered a serious fall, leading to leg surgery and a diagnosis of degenerative disc disease.

Opting for independence, Ms. Lim’s mother chose to live alone post-surgery, a decision that added considerable stress to Ms. Lim's life as she juggled caring for her children—aged four to 13—and managing her mother's needs.

Introducing CarePal: Your Caregiving Companion

To assist caregivers like Ms. Lim, Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) has launched CarePal, a user-friendly online portal designed to be the ultimate resource for caregivers. Integrated into the NHG Health mobile app, CarePal allows users to craft a personalized profile of their loved ones, generating tailored resource packages based on individual care needs.

The platform features a notable 'caregiving calculator,' which gives a clear estimate of the financial obligations linked to caregiving. Furthermore, it houses a comprehensive resource library filled with articles, videos, and infographics, empowering caregivers with knowledge about community services and self-care tips.

Project Carer Matters: Supporting Singapore's Caregivers

CarePal is a vital component of Project Carer Matters 2, a forward-thinking initiative aimed at strengthening Singapore’s caregiving support network. Backed by the National Research Foundation, this project aims to address the challenges faced by family caregivers, a need highlighted by TTSH’s own research revealing that one-third of caregivers are prone to depression and diminished quality of life.

Dr. Chan Ee Yuee, TTSH’s nursing deputy director, emphasized that the need for this initiative is only growing as Singapore's population ages rapidly, with predictions indicating over 21% of the populace will be 65 or older by 2030.

Innovative Fall Detection Technology

In addition to CarePal, Project Carer Matters is currently trialing an advanced fall detection system using smart cameras and thermal imaging technology. This innovative system notifies a command center if a fall occurs, ensuring rapid communication with caregivers and emergency services.

Ms. Lim is among those testing this technology at her mother’s home. 'For caregivers who can't visit daily, this system provides invaluable peace of mind,' she notes.

Empowering Caregivers Across Singapore

Dr. Chan envisions that in the long run, CarePal will extend its benefits across Singapore, transcending the NHG Health cluster to uplift all caregivers. With the escalating demand for caregiving solutions, initiatives like CarePal and fall detection systems are crucial in supporting a community holding the weight of care for its aging population.