Migrant domestic workers (MDWs) who carry out caregiving duties are relatively more prone to suffering from caregiver stress. This is because they take on physically-strenuous tasks while taking care of their charges, and also undertake the emotional and psychological burdens that come along with such responsibilities. Research has shown that caregivers often suffer from higher levels of depression, frustration and lower levels of self-care. As a result, it is necessary for employers to equip MDWs with sufficient training and skillsets, and to also understand the hurdles that they may face along the way. 

 

Below are some tips for MDWs on how to care for the different groups of individuals.

 

 

1. Keep rules simple and easy to understand by giving one instruction at a time.

 

2. Act out what your instructions to the child mean (eg:  “Please pick up your toys and put in the box.” You can demonstrate a few times until child understands and can carry out the instruction).

 

3. Use positive language as far as possible (eg: Say "Do try to eat more" instead of "Don't waste food". Say “Slow down and walk” instead of “Don’t run”).

 

4. Treat children with respect and be patient with them.

 

5. Report any negative behavior of the children to your employers or other caregivers, as soon as possible

 

6. Never try to discipline the child on your own. It is the responsibility of the parents to discipline the child, not yours.

 

 

1. Remember that every elderly person has his/her own likes and dislikes. Be understanding. 

 

2. Maintain the dignity of your elderly charge(s) (eg: Do not talk back or raise your voice to them, and always ask for permission if you have to touch them in order to carry out your caregiving role.)

 

3. Show empathy. The elderly may be quite unhappy with themselves, because they cannot move as freely as before, or they have other physical limitations that come with age such as poor hearing or poor eyesight. As a caregiver, you should try to understand their point of view and be patient with them.

 

4. Explore different ways of communication (eg; writing down on paper or using hand gestures)

 

5. Be reliable and dependable. 

 

6. Be proactive and do not keep waiting for instructions from the elderly charge(s).

 

 

1. Gather as much information as you can about your charge’s physical and mental condition from your employers before you are left alone to care for them.

 

2. Stay close to the charge/patient so that you can hear them when they call for you, but give them privacy when they ask for it.

 

3. Make sure your employers demonstrate to you as many times as you need on how to carry out a medical procedure that can be done at home for the patient. If you are not comfortable with doing the procedure yourself, please let your employer know.

 

4. When you feel increasingly stressed or burnt-out, discuss with your employer. Do not harm the patient or yourself due to stress, inattentiveness or resentment. 

 

5. Don’t ignore signs of distress from your charge. When in doubt, inform your employer immediately or call for the ambulance. 

 

6. Remember the emergency numbers to call (eg: 999 for police/ 995 for ambulance; and the mobile numbers of your employers or other family members).

 

For employers who wish to find out if they are eligible to hire an MDW trained in eldercare caregiving skills, please refer to the Advanced Placement Scheme (APS) on the Ministry of Manpower’s website by clicking on the following link - http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits...