'It was quite scary' – domestic helpers on being caregivers without enough training

Anna, a domestic worker from Myanmar, arrived in Singapore in 2023 looking to care for seniors. Her first job involved taking care of an 80-year-old dementia patient, a role she quickly found challenging due to her lack of experience and training. The older woman had no family in Singapore, making Anna responsible for all her daily needs.

This placed a significant emotional and mental strain on Anna, who eventually requested a transfer after a year. She later cared for a bedridden dementia patient, which took a physical toll on her due to the patient's size and strength. Anna's experience echoes concerns about migrant domestic workers taking on caregiving duties without proper training or preparation.

These concerns were highlighted by Parliament in January when a labour Member of Parliament called for better support for these workers and their families. The Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics (HOME) noted that many domestic workers are placed in caregiving roles without the necessary training, leading to heightened stress and potential risks for both the caregiver and the care recipient.

Ms Christina Abalayan, who cared for a child with cerebral palsy in the Philippines before moving to Singapore, experienced the challenges of inadequate training firsthand. She had to learn on the job, which often left her feeling drained both physically and emotionally. Ms L, a domestic worker from the Philippines, also faced stress when caring for an older couple with cancer without any previous experience or training.

The demanding temperament of the elderly couple, particularly the grandmother, added to her challenges. These stories underscore the need for better training and support for migrant domestic workers who take on caregiving duties.