(This story is from our archives of NextStep Magazine. The Magazine has since been renamed to AIC With You)

Mr Chew Chee Weng, 61, had to become a full-time caregiver to his mother after she suffered a bad fall at the beginning of the year.

Mdm Chan Yuet Khew, 88, used to be able to walk short distances and did not need her wheelchair so often. But she became fully dependent on the wheelchair after the incident.

“Of course, I was worried whether I would be able to look after my mother properly, especially in her condition,” Mr Chew says.

Training to care for a loved one

As a security guard, Mr Chew has to work 12-hour shifts. While he’s out, his helper, Mona, takes care of Mdm Chan.

Now, Mdm Chan needs help with daily activities such as bathing, going to the toilet, and dressing herself. To ensure that they are looking after Mdm Chan properly, Mr Chew sent Mona and himself for training on how to look after the elderly – some at a subsidised rate, thanks to AIC’s Caregivers Training Grant (CTG).

Mr Chew was impressed by the courses he attended at the Metta Day Rehabilitation Centre for the Elderly, and the Primary Care Academy.

"They taught you about transferring the patients, diaper change, proper use of the wheelchair, how to check vital signs, and many more. These are basic knowledge that we need to know when caring for the elderly,” he says.

A sharing session with the other participants during training struck a chord with him.

“It made me realise that things could be worse.” He continues, “There are others who have suffered strokes, or are currently in comas – so I am truly thankful that my mother is considered to be in good health, except for her minor disability and memory problems. In fact, it has made me more appreciative of our current situation.”

This has made him feel less stressed about caring for his mother, and gave him the confidence he needed to look after her. He is already planning to sign up for courses on dementia.

“My mother does not suffer from dementia, but she does have some memory problems. Realistically, we have to be prepared, because (patients with) dementia are harder to look after than non-dementia patients,” he shares.

Safe and Comfortable at home

Mr Chew has prepared himself for the responsibilities of caring for his mother. For example, he bought a hospital bed for the old lady, and also installed a camera in the flat.

“Even when I’m at work, I still want to keep an eye on my mother, so I installed a camera. It gives me peace of mind knowing she is fine,” he says.

Mother and son also stick to a daily routine of breakfast at a coffeeshop near their home, so they can get some morning sun and fresh air.

“I’m glad I am able to take care of my mother in her old age, and at home too, where she is comfortable and happy,” he adds with a smile.

Where Can I Find Training Courses?

You can make use of the AIC's website’ Caregiver Training Calendar to find the courses that suit your needs.

How can I pay for these Courses? Subsidise the cost of your training to better care for your loved ones with the Caregivers Training Grant (CTG)!