New initiative launched to provide timely support for caregivers of persons with disabilities
It will supports caregivers’ mental well-being before a breaking point is reached.
Singapore's CaringSG charity has introduced a new CAREmind programme to proactively support caregivers of persons with disabilities, rather than waiting for them to seek help after experiencing burnout. The programme, launched on August 29, aims to reach out to around 1,200 caregivers over the next three years. CAREmind will provide mental health screenings during the charity's events, activities and house visits, enabling tiered support depending on the caregiver's level of mental wellness.
About 120 staff and volunteers will be trained to administer the screenings, which may connect less intensive caregivers with a trained volunteer who offers one-to-one emotional support through the CAREbuddy programme. More severely distressed or isolated caregivers will be linked up with professionals from social work, healthcare, special needs, or other related fields, under the CAREwell programme.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development Eric Chua highlighted the importance of early intervention, noting that prolonged caregiving without adequate support can lead to social isolation and emotional exhaustion. He emphasized that caregiver burnout is real, but it often builds gradually through accumulated stress, lack of rest, social isolation, and the feeling that there is no time to attend to one's own needs. Early support is crucial to prevent reaching a breaking point.
CaringSG CEO Edwin Tan explained that the programme aims to provide a quick "pulse check" of caregivers, allowing the charity to reach out to them proactively. The screening may include questions about self-harm or suicidal ideations. The initiative is supported by a $500,000 grant from the Chua Foundation over the next three years. Chua Foundation Executive Director Chua Weiling emphasized that caregiver well-being is as important as the well-being of those receiving help.
Single father James Ong, whose son has global developmental delay, appreciated the new programme, stating that it would have been valuable in providing him with a starting point to various support systems and schemes available in Singapore.
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