Feel Empowered With Insightful Caregiver Resources
As a caregiver, you play an essential role in supporting your loved one’s journey through advanced illnesses. Caregiving is a deeply meaningful experience, but we understand that it can be challenging when you do not have adequate help at hand.
At Singapore Hospice Council, we want to empower you with the right resources to support you through your caregiving journey.
Beginner to Caregiving
Palliative care is at the heart of caregiving, which focuses on improving the quality of life of patients with advanced illnesses. This can be done by managing their symptoms, providing emotional support and addressing their spiritual needs.
There are different types of palliative care services available, depending on your loved one’s needs.
- Home palliative care: Support in the comfort of your loved one’s home.
- Day palliative care: Day programme with activities and social interaction for your loved one.
- Inpatient palliative care: Support in a hospice or hospital setting.
- Consultative services: Support through telemedicine or phone consultations.
Learn more about what you need to know about palliative care here.
You may also view our list of palliative care wards and services providers below for more guidance on how to cater to the needs of your loved one:
As a caregiver, it’s also important to have a good understanding of the different types of medications and how to administer them. At the same time, your ability to recognise the symptoms of pain and other illnesses can help you provide the necessary care to your loved one. Since diet plays an important part of health, learning how to prepare nutritious meals is also essential to help your loved one feel better.
Our resources below will provide you with the important information you need throughout your caregiving journey:
Evolving as a Caregiver
Caregiving is a journey that requires ongoing learning and growth. As you continue, it’s important to take the time to reflect on your own personal growth and development. This can help you find a greater sense of purpose and meaning in your role as a caregiver. At the same time, upgrading your knowledge and skills makes you more confident in your ability to provide care and support to your loved one.
Grieving For a Loved One
Caregiving is an emotional commitment as much as it is a physical one. When a loved one is lost, being able to take care of yourself can help you cope with your grief and find healing. Learning how to prepare yourself before a loved one’s death is the first step, which you can begin by recognising their final hours characterised by behavioural and emotional changes. This gives you the time to process your emotions and prepare for the inevitable loss. Your ability to regulate your emotions as a caregiver will allow you to provide the best possible care and support to your loved one in their final moments as part of end-of-life planning.
It’s important to remember that grief is a natural and complex process, and everyone experiences it differently. By understanding the stages of grief and taking care of your physical and emotional well-being, you can find comfort and healing in your own time.
We hope our resources below will support you through this inevitable part of your caregiving journey:
- Caring for Yourself After a Death
- Understanding the Final Hours
- Grief and Bereavement Resources
- Community Bereavement Service Providers
You may view our workshops and conferences on palliative care online and register your interest. If you’re passionate about raising awareness of palliative care, you can volunteer with us in Singapore.
Never too early to talk about palliative care.
Approaching the topic of palliative care is your first step to begin thinking about your attitudes towards death. This will allow you to discuss openly with your family and loved ones.
Caregiving where got such thing as fun?
Caregiving can be challenging, but it can also be rewarding and fulfilling. Take breaks and practise self-care to avoid caregiver burnout, and look for ways to incorporate fun and enjoyable activities into your caregiving routine.
Caregiving can be physically and emotionally demanding. Seek support from others and take breaks to avoid caregiver burnout.
Grief is a complex process, and everyone experiences it differently. Reach out for support and take time to find acceptance and closure.
Planning your own funeral brings peace
Pre-planning funerals can provide peace of mind for loved ones. It also allows for wishes to be respected, which makes such conversations important to have with your loved ones who are in palliative care.
Caregivers need time and space to recharge. Allow yourself to take breaks and practise self-care.
Building resilience in caregiving
Building resilience is crucial for caregivers to prevent burnout. Singapore Hospice Council supports resources to help you identify strengths and develop coping mechanisms.