Caregiving is a two-way street. Many caregivers serve as pillars of strength through the sacrifices they make to give support to those under their care. At the same time, they gain knowledge, skills, newfound strengths, and wisdom. In their bittersweet journey as caregivers, they require support as well – financially, mentally, and emotionally. Club HEAL’s CREST Caregiver Support Network provides a wonderful platform where caregivers can boost their caregiving skills through learning from both healthcare professionals and other caregivers. Their caregiving journey is also rendered less lonely by being in the company of those who can genuinely share and relate to them. UNDERSTANDING DEMENTIA by Dr Khairul Hazwan Suhairi, Resident Physician T H he Importance of Caregiving EAL 39 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE In this issue of HEAL, we celebrate our caregivers – the often-unsung heroes behind the recovery journey of those with mental health conditions. D R R A D I A H S A L I M President, Club HEAL Imagine waking up in a stranger’s house, surrounded by people you do not recognise, telling you to do things you do not understand. You stare blankly at them and are met with frustration and shouting. You feel unsafe, and you just want to get out of there, but they keep pushing you back onto your bed. This is the unfortunate reality for some of those who live with dementia. It is estimated that 1 in 10 people aged above 60 may have dementia, and this is expected to grow in the years to come. Despite popular belief, dementia is not a part of normal aging. Instead, it is a neurological condition categorised by a progressive decline in cognition. It causes one’s ability to process information and execute them to worsen over time. This can be evident from losing the ability to maintain complex attention, the ability to perform tasks, having problems with learning, memory and social cognition, as well as even losing the use of language. In some extreme cases, it is also possible to have personality changes and to experience hallucinations. As you can imagine, a person experiencing the above symptoms may have a rough road filled with many obstacles ahead of them. However, hope is not all lost, as there are ways in which people who experience the above symptoms, as well as their caregivers, can navigate this journey in a dignified manner. Early detection, caregiver support and training, as well as the creation of robust support networks such as the programmes that Club HEAL offers, are just some of the methods in which we can aid those with dementia and their loved ones to live fulfilling and meaningful lives. Launched in September 2020, this programme aims to create a supportive environment for individuals with dementia. We focus on their overall well-being by identifying their strengths and offering activities that promote creativity such as crafts and painting, and improve motor skills through exercise and indoor gardening. Additionally, we provide care and emotional support to their caregivers. Our goal is to help people with dementia age gracefully and maintain their dignity within the community. Contact our Dementia Wellness Programme team at 6899 3463 or email them at [email protected] Dementia Wellness Programme CLUB HEAL NEWSLETTER PAGE 1
Psychoeducation for caregivers is important to help them navigate through much uncertainty. As a caregiver, knowing where to seek help, and how to take care of yourself and the person you are caring for, is crucial in reducing stress and avoiding burnout. There are three tiers of well-being that caregivers need to focus on to ensure a stable mind that can better control emotions, namely physical, mental and spiritual well-being. When a caregiver has these in check, it will make the caregiving journey more manageable. “As a society, we need to practise using recovery language in our everyday lives,” Mr Zainal advises. “We also need more advocates to promote mental health and well-being to ensure that people understand mental health better.” Recovery language helps to reduce the stigma and negative bias surrounding mental health. Examples include using terminology that emphasises acceptance instead of disabilities, using non-judgmental and respectful words, as well as not labelling individuals. To all the caregivers out there, we hear you and see you. You are not alone, and we are proud of you. Thank you for providing love to those around you but do not forget that you need love too! BEING A CAREGIVER by Atikah Yusof Prioritise self-care: 1) Connect with other caregivers! Socialise with those who you can relate to and join help groups. 2) Reduce personal stress and make time for yourself by identifying personal barriers and creating schedules. 3) Keep fit and go for walks! Practise positivity in your everyday life. 4) Knowing how to identify positive and negative emotions will help facilitate and control your emotions better. Wealso needmore advocatesto promotemental healthand well-beingto CLUB HEAL NEWSLETTER PAGE 2 Stigma against mental health conditions still runs strong even today. Fortunately, we have the resources (thanks to the Internet!) and different avenues to educate ourselves on these issues. However, those who support these individuals, the caregivers, are often unrecognised for their efforts and struggles. The reality of caregiving is that it can be a lonely journey without the right support, and for Mr Zainal Abidin Lee, 62, he faced that firsthand. Mr Zainal, who is also the manager of the CREST Caregiver Support Network, is currently a loving caregiver to his wife who is undergoing dialysis and has been diagnosed with depression. He started his caregiving journey in the mid-1980s, when he took care of another family member who had major depressive disorder. He was her caregiver for 15 years. Ignorant then, he embarked on his caregiving journey blindly – with little to no resources. Now, equipped with a background in psychology and 30 years of counselling experience, Mr Zainal supports other caregivers on their journey. CREST Caregiver Support Network The CREST Caregiver Support Network (CREST CSN) was launched in April 2021 to support and connect caregivers who are taking care of people with mental health challenges and seniors with dementia. The team focuses on caregivers who have or are at risk of developing depression, anxiety and burn-out due to their caregiving role. They increase public awareness of caregiving concerns, promote identification of caregiver needs, support caregivers in self-care and link caregivers up with support groups and counselling services where needed. Contact our CREST CSN team at 6899 3463 or email them at [email protected] ensurethatpeopleunderstand mentalhealthbetter.” MR ZAINAL ABIDIN LEE, Caregiver and Head of CREST CSN
The price one pays for love is loss, and with loss, comes the gruelling pain of grief. Although it is an inevitable part of life, it is not easy to navigate the feeling of grief. Mdm Salmah Roslan, 59, had to prepare herself for the loss of her mother, Hjh Sarilah Jasman, who recently passed away in December 2022. Mdm Salmah had been Hjh Sarilah’s main caregiver for 20 years, since the passing of her father in 2003. “I showered her with all my love and cuddled her as much as I could – knowing that I would miss her touch once she was gone,” Mdm Salmah said. To Mdm Salmah, her caring and gentle mother was everything. “I still remember the exact moment I received news of her being terminally ill. It was like a knife pierced through my heart.” GRIEF IS LOVE PERSEVERING by Atikah Yusof HIGHLIGHTS CLUB HEAL NEWSLETTER PAGE 3 Gala Dinner Club HEAL celebrated its 10th Anniversary with a Fundraising Gala Dinner at Orchid Country Club on 3 February 2023. We were honoured to have President Halimah Yacob, our Patron-in-Chief, as our guestof-honour. Around 600 attendees, including friends, supporters, beneficiaries, and their families, joined us to commemorate our 10 years of serving the community's mental health and well-being. OHV Graduation Club HEAL's Our HEALing Voice celebrated the graduation of 10 participants from its 5th cohort on 25 February. The graduation ceremony was also graced by Dr Fermin Diez, Deputy CEO of National Council of Social Service. “My mum was reluctant to stay with my other siblings for a long period of time due to our bond. I hardly had time to myself, having to juggle family, work, and her,” Mdm Salmah recalled. “But caring for my mum gave my life its fullest of satisfactions. There was never a moment of regret. I loved her to the best of my abilities. I enjoyed being her caregiver because I felt like the chosen one.” Everyone’s journey of grief is different. Find a form of solace that works for you, whether it is through seeking professional help, doing activities you love or through a combination of different coping mechanisms. For Mdm Salmah, it was through engaging in volunteering, attending classes, meeting up with friends, going back to her realtor profession, and participating in our CREST CSN activities. “Seek help if you feel lost and always bear in mind that you are never alone,” she advised. Title: A Giver of Care (2023) Artwork by Yohanna Abdullah Description: My mother has been my caregiver all my life, especially for the past two decades when I have bipolar disorder. In her sunset years, after the passing of my dad, I wish to be her main caregiver and love and care for her to my utmost ability. CREATIVE CORNER Hari Raya Celebration Club HEAL had an amazing Hari Raya Celebration, gathering 65 beneficiaries and their loved ones. The event was filled with joy and laughter, as attendees participated in Raya games, enjoyed a Malay dance performance, and sang along with our staff. We are grateful to Withers Worldwide for sponsoring the event and providing lucky draw prizes. Follow our social media for more updates! @clubheal.sg
SCAN QR CODE TO CONNECT WITH CLUB HEAL WE'RE HERE TO HELP! Office: 6899 3463 (9am - 5pm weekdays) Mailing Address: Blk 254 Bukit Batok East Ave 4 #01-229 S(650254) Email: [email protected] Website: www.clubheal.org.sg Patron-in-Chief: Mdm Halimah Yacob Patrons: Mr Zaqy Mohamad Mdm Rahayu Mahzam Hon. President: Dr Radiah Salim Hon. Vice-President: Ms Siti Hawa Sulaiman Hon Treasurer: Mr Muhammad Fithri Daud Hon Asst Treasurer: Ms Siti Aishah Jaafar Hon Secretary: Ms Nur Izzati Zainudin Hon Asst Secretary: Ms Siti Noor Baizura Rahmatullah Hon Legal Counsel: Ms Roslina Baba Members: Dr Bibi Jan Ayyub Dr Khairul Hazwan Suhairi Dr Mumtaz d/o Mohamed Yusoff Ms Fauziah Mohd Hussein Ms Noorunnisa d/o Ibrahim Kutty Mr John Ho Horn Yuen Ms Rohizan Talib Ms Amarjit Kaur Ms Lubna Iskhandar Shah Hon. Expert Advisors: Dr Habeebul Rahman Dr Joseph Leong Jern-Yi Dr Norhisham Main Dr Sharifah Mariam Aljunied Mr Ram Dubey Editorial Team Chief Editor Noorunnisa d/o Ibrahim Kutty Editorial Team Members Radiah Salim Rozlin Farid Vanzandt Atikah Yusof Tan Xue Wei Fahreeq Fattah Medina Designer Atikah Yusof GET INVOLVED: VOLUNTEER WITH US! SHOW YOUR SUPPORT: BE A DONOR Your kind donation is invaluable towards realising Club HEAL's mission in creating a safe space for healing and recovery for people with mental health challenges and their families. Here are six ways for you to donate to our cause. Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) Helpline Provides information and assistance on mental health matters and psychosocial issues. Tel: 1800-283 7019 (Monday to Friday: 9am to 6pm) Dementia InfoLine by Health Promotion Board For advice and information on dementia-related queries (available in all four languages – English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil). Tel: 1800-223 1123 (Monday to Friday: 8.30am to 5pm, and Saturday: 8.30am to 1pm) Caregivers Alliance Limited Supports caregivers of persons with mental health issues. Tel: 6460 4400 (main line); 6388 2686 (Caregivers Support Centre) or visit https://www.clubheal.sg/volunteers to find out more or go to https://www.clubheal.sg/donate-now-page to learn more Patrons, Advisors & Board DONATE TO OUR CAUSE! Club HEAL is an Institution of a Public Character (IPC) – registered organisation. All donations made to Club HEAL are entitled to 2.5 times tax deductions in Singapore.