Moving into the “Ready” mode in caregiving

Despite knowing that our senior loved ones may one day need help with care, the truth is we rarely prepare ourselves for it – not until we are confronted with the emergency.

Even adult children or spouses who work in the caring profession feel the same sense of loss when facing the need to care for their loved ones suddenly, sometimes due to a fall, or a sudden stroke or illness. Of course, the ideal scenario is to be prepared early by attending the relevant Caregiving programs while one has the time.

In reality, few would consider such programs unless the needs are strongly felt. But at least, let’s start with some basic advance planning, for example, prior plans among siblings on how to care for their older parents could be discussed, and we should get the will done, make an LPA (Lasting Power of Attorney) sooner than later.

No matter how prepared we think we are, a sense of loss is inevitable when caregiving needs arise, and to be somewhat prepared is always better than none.        .

You can visit iCare Life - Who is an Elder to learn more about Elders, Ageing Process and Caregiving.

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Link of video: https://www.icare.life/#/modules/EOEN001SGP/who-is-an-elder#CYEN001SGP

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Dr. Thang Leng Leng

Associate Professor 

National University of Singapore (NUS)

(Writer is a member of iCare Life Advisory Board)