As our nation braces itself for a growing ageing population, it becomes more integral to be well-equipped with the skills to effectively care for seniors, and persons with disabilities. Ms Lim Ay Ni, 43, shares her key takeaways from the Singapore Red Cross Academy's Care Support course she attended from February to September 2023.

Caring for an elderly or a person with a disability at home may be a daunting prospect, particularly for those who are not properly trained.

With the burgeoning elderly population in our midst, it may be pragmatic to be trained in caregiver skills to provide quality care for ageing parents or relatives with disabilities.

This conviction spurred Ms Lim Ay Ni, 43, to take up the Singapore Red Cross Academy's Care Support course from February to September 2023. 

"We can stand in to assist when a mishap occurs or the need arises," said Ay Ni (third from left in the photo).

Adopting the Right Techniques to Care

Comprising four modules, nursing care, workplace learning, soft skills and an elective module, the Care Support course highlights the role, responsibilities and challenges of the caregiver. Participants also learn about the importance of effective communication with the care recipient, healthcare professionals, and family members. 

In Module One of the Care Support course, participants learnt 'Essentials of Nursing Care', 'Care of Persons with Chronic Conditions', Psychosocial Considerations of Caregiving/Behaviour Management' and 'End of Life Care'. The module equipped the participants with practical techniques to provide personal care; including the right techniques to shower, dress and feed the person while creating safe environments to avert accidents while responding to emergencies.

Ensuring the Emotional and Psychological Well-being of Caregivers and Persons They Care for

The Care Support course also delved into the strategies caregivers could adopt to ensure the physical, emotional, mental and psychological well-being of both caregivers and the people they care for, to stave off burnout. 

Well-Equipped to Care

Moreover, the Care Support course equips caregivers with invaluable knowledge, practical skills, and the confidence to care for their charges and loved ones. Through effective communication techniques, understanding of the care recipient's needs, emotional support, and self-care strategies, trainees can confidently and effectively ensure the well-being of themselves and the care recipients and loved ones while enhancing the overall caregiving experience. 

"The Care Support course is useful because I developed the skills to effectively care for seniors and persons with disabilities. These functional skills may come in handy one day. I also developed empathy for caregivers with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced and expectations of others," said Ay Ni, a customer service executive who hopes to volunteer at a nursing home. 

By Sondra Foo, Marketing & Communications