Running on fumes: When self-neglect causes caregivers to hit a wall

Synopsis: Conversations and interviews that give you something to think about. Each Wednesday, In Your Opinion speaks to thinkers, leaders, and the people shaping our lives and the issues of the day.

The rising number of dementia patients is just the tip of the iceberg. An ageing population, chronic illnesses that leave loved ones bedridden, and more awareness of mental health conditions have cast a spotlight on the importance of caregiver respite.

On this episode of In Your Opinion, we look at the mental health struggles faced by caregivers who sacrifice much of themselves in caring for loved ones.

Joining assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong is Tim Oei, CEO of Mindfull Community. Drawing on decades of leadership at major social service agencies like AWWA and the National Kidney Foundation, he talks about caring for the carers, and why some see going to work as a form of respite. 

Oei touches on systemic gaps that could disadvantage asset-rich, cash-poor caregivers, and why quitting your job to be a full-time carer can very quickly lead to burnout. 

They also explore the marathon that is caregiving, and how friends, colleagues and neighbours can take small steps to help.

Highlights (click/tap above): 

3:17 When burnt-out caregivers face health issues

5:29 Caregivers only seek help when crisis hits

9:17 Why having a job can backfire when applying for grants 

11:35 ‘Work is respite’: How some carers see their jobs

14:20 Will the $10m OrangeAid grant help with caregiver burnout?

21:40 Why sending a caregiver on a ‘staycation’ backfired

23:08 How to scale tailored support for caregivers?

26:15 The dementia tsunami: Scaling support for 2030

27:36 Co-location of services to help care recipients and caregivers

34:40 Hitting the wall: When caregivers reach the tragic breaking point

Read ST’s Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH

Follow Lynda Hong on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/Gm2v

Host: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg) 

Produced and edited by: Teo Tong Kai

Executive producers: Danson Cheong and Lynda Hong

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Helplines

Mental well-being

• National Mindline: 1771 (24 hours) / 6669-1771 (via WhatsApp)

• Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp)

• Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019

• Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928

• Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1

• Women’s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)

• The Seniors Helpline: 1800-555-5555 (weekdays, 9am to 5pm)

• Tinkle Friend (for primary school-age children): 1800-2744-788

• Mindfull Community HQ (for caregivers, families and persons in recovery): 6460-4400 (weekdays, 9am to 5pm)

Counselling

• Touchline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252

• Touch Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555

• Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366

• We Care Community Services: 3165-8017

• Shan You Counselling Centre: 6741-9293

• Clarity Singapore: 6757-7990

• Care Corner Counselling Centre: 6353-1180