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    Caregiver Self-Care: Preventing Burnout in Singapore

    10 min readPublished on 22 December 2025
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    Caring for an elderly loved one is one of the most meaningful things you can do—but it can also be exhausting. In Singapore, over 210,000 people provide unpaid care to family members. If you're one of them, this guide will help you understand why your own wellbeing matters and how to access support through the 6 pillars of caregiver wellness.

    Mental Health: Managing Stress and Emotions

    Caregiving often brings emotional challenges—guilt, frustration, grief, and anxiety. These feelings are normal, but they need attention. Research shows that 40-70% of caregivers experience clinical symptoms of depression. Recognizing your emotional needs is not weakness; it's wisdom.

    Get Help Now

    If you're feeling overwhelmed, call the AIC Caregiver Support Hotline at <strong>1800-650-6060</strong> or reach out to <strong>CREST-CSN</strong> (Community Support Network) for caregiver-specific emotional support.

    • Allow yourself to feel and express emotions without judgment
    • Practice mindfulness or deep breathing for 5-10 minutes daily
    • Keep a brief gratitude journal to maintain perspective
    • Set boundaries—it's okay to say no to additional requests
    • Talk to someone: a friend, family member, or professional counselor

    Physical Health: Your Body Needs Care Too

    Caregivers often neglect their own health—skipping meals, losing sleep, and postponing medical checkups. But you cannot pour from an empty cup. Physical exhaustion compounds emotional stress and increases your own health risks.

    Free Health Screenings

    Singapore residents can access free health screenings under Screen for Life at polyclinics. Visit <strong>healthhub.sg</strong> to check your eligibility.

    • Schedule and keep your own medical appointments
    • Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep—consider respite care if needed
    • Eat regular, nutritious meals even when busy
    • Take 15-minute walks or do simple stretches daily
    • Learn proper lifting techniques to prevent back injuries

    Care Management: Organizing Daily Tasks

    The daily logistics of caregiving can feel endless—medications, appointments, hygiene routines, meals. Effective care management reduces stress for both you and your loved one. Consider using tools and systems to stay organized.

    Quick Tip

    Document your loved one's preferences, routines, and emergency contacts in one place. This helps anyone stepping in to provide care.

    • Create a daily routine checklist for care tasks
    • Use a shared family calendar for appointments
    • Keep a medication log with dosages and times
    • Prepare care instructions for backup caregivers
    • Use technology like Elderwise to track health metrics

    Work-Life Balance: Balancing Career and Caregiving

    Many caregivers in Singapore juggle full-time jobs with caregiving responsibilities. This dual burden can feel impossible to sustain. Know that you have options and rights as a working caregiver.

    Did You Know?

    Singapore's Tripartite Guidelines encourage employers to offer flexible work arrangements. Many companies now offer caregiver-friendly policies.

    • Speak with your employer about flexible work arrangements
    • Explore your company's caregiver support policies
    • Consider respite day care while you work
    • Look into Family Care Leave options under Singapore law
    • Join the Caregiver Support Network to connect with others in similar situations

    Basic Needs: Equipment and Daily Essentials

    Having the right equipment makes caregiving safer and easier. From wheelchairs to hospital beds, these items can be expensive—but subsidies are available for eligible Singaporeans.

    Equipment Subsidies

    The Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF) provides up to 90% subsidy on assistive devices. Apply through AIC or your nearest Senior Activity Centre.

    • Mobility aids: wheelchairs, walkers, grab bars
    • Daily living aids: shower chairs, bed rails, raised toilet seats
    • Medical equipment: blood pressure monitors, glucose meters
    • Incontinence supplies through community health services
    • Home modifications for safety through the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme

    Key Takeaways

    • 1Caregiver burnout is real and preventable—your wellbeing matters
    • 2The 6 pillars cover all aspects: mental, physical, care management, work-life, finance, and basic needs
    • 3Singapore offers substantial support through AIC, CREST-CSN, and various grants
    • 4Call 1800-650-6060 (AIC hotline) as your first step to access help
    • 5You don't have to do this alone—support networks exist for caregivers like you

    Let Elderwise support your caregiving journey

    Track health metrics, manage medications, and coordinate care with family—all in one place.

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