AWWA launched the Caregiver Service (Disability) or CS(D) in short on 1 May 2016. This two-year pilot project funded by Tote Board-Enabling Lives Initiative Grant aims to support caregivers of persons with disability ranging from childhood to adulthood. What makes this service unique is that caregivers are the primary beneficiaries, it looks into their needs from a holistic point and as unique individuals in their life circumstances. Ms Sandra Tan, Assistant Director, Caregiver Service (Disability), tells us more about the programme.
Why did AWWA choose to branch out into Caregiver Service (Disability)?
Sandra: AWWA chose to branch out into Caregiver Service (Disability) to plug service gaps and support caregivers by adopting the life course perspective. This means that we look at the life stage and circumstances of a caregiver.
In the traditional service model, the service focuses on the Persons with Disability (PWD) as the primary beneficiaries, and support for caregivers are focused on helping caregivers better care for the PWD. In most cases, support for caregivers ceases when the PWD no longer receives service from the agency. This situation is most prevalent when students with special needs graduate from Special School at 18 years old, and do not have access to existing services for post 18 years either due to a long waiting list, or when the PWD has severe disability or presents challenging behavior.
In CS(D), we recognize that caring for a PWD is a lifelong commitment for caregivers. Caregivers would benefit from the support regardless of whether the PWD is within a care / educational system or not. This can apply to caregivers with very young children identified with disability, before they have access to EIPIC programmes, or when the child with disability is in transition from one service provider to another or when the PWD stop receiving services for example, after they graduate from Special School and are waiting for the next phase of services to start. In fact, it is during this period of transition that caregivers are most in need of support.
How does it help caregivers? If I’m a caregiver, how do I know if I’m eligible for this programme?
Sandra: We will identify your areas of needs through the Caregiver Needs Assessment and then work towards supporting you, especially if you are experiencing moderate to high-level stress. Symptoms of being under moderate to high-level stress include strained family relationships due to the care of the PWD, financial stresses, physical exhaustion and the feeling of depression.
As long as you are caring for a PWD, either as a parent, sibling, grandparent, relative or a guardian, you are eligible for this service. You do not need to be a current beneficiary of any particular service.
Why is it important for caregivers to seek help?
Sandra: We believe that when a caregiver is in a good physical, emotional and mental state, they are able to care for the PWD better. The role and responsibility of caregiving can be overwhelming at times, and we can all do with some help, to allow us to journey a longer distance.
Any tips/advice you would give to caregivers who are about to start their caregiving journey?
Sandra: Find out more about the services available to support yourself as well as your care recipient. Take time for self-care, share with people you can trust and don’t be afraid or shy to ask for help.
For more information on Caregiver Service (Disability), click here.