Caring for the elderly: SingHealth rolls out free course for maids to learn basic medical skills

THEORY AND PRACTICAL Instructions

The one-time three-hour program that Ms Rose took, which was taught by midwives, covered more than just medical information.

Ms Rose got to have both theory and practical lessons that spanned four crucial areas – diet, exercise, medication administration, and using monitoring devices for blood pressure and glucose.

SHP’s action comes weeks after it surveyed 100 companions caring for seniors.

More than four in ten helpers lacked confidence to carry out body pressure and glucose monitoring jobs, according to the little study that was published last month, and over three in ten were hesitant about supervising treatment. &nbsp,

Despite the fact that more than 80 % of seniors over 65 have at least one chronic illness, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, these numbers were higher.

Five free coaching sessions were offered at SingHealth polyclinics throughout the past four decades in locations like Tampines and Bukit Merah.

More than 60 companions who care for the elderly with chronic problems, including Ms Rose, as well as about 20 organisations attended the lessons. SingHealth intends to later offer the training at all of their polyclinics.

In order to expand access to these courses, the native heath grouping is also working with Duke-NUS Medical School students.

” Instead of face-to-face training, we made it into an e-learning system, where we opened up to international local employees to consider and at the same time, we will also get the company to determine them”, said Ms Ang Kim Wai, an advanced training nurse from SHP Tampines.

The company will evaluate them and determine whether their knowledge and skills have improved after they have completed the entire e-learning module, she continued.

Ms Ang said the specific areas covered in the meetings are” important parts” in managing chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Trust Increase

Maids who undergo education may also get advice on how to do elderly-appropriate activities, as well as how to ensure their safety, including preventing falls.

Seow Cheng Seng, Ms. Rose’s firm, reported that he noticed a marked improvement in her self-assurance and ability to care for his partner.

Ms. Rose, who has been employed in Singapore for more than six decades, was also incorporate healthier ingredients into Mrs. Seow’s diabetes problem.

” I think it’s beneficial for all these helpers, especially taking care of dementia ( patients ) which is a very challenging area”, Mr Seow added.