20% of caregivers in Singapore report symptoms of depression

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http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/20-caregivers-singapore-report-symptoms-depression-survey

About 20 per cent of caregivers in Singapore reported symptoms of depression, according to a survey commissioned by the Ministry of Social and Family Development. These findings were shared in the Tsao Foundation’s Caregiving Conference, which discussed the problems faced by caregivers here.

The survey polled 1,190 pairs of elderly persons and their caregivers over a one-year period from 2009 to 2010.

According to the survey, having a maid does not reduce stress among caregivers. Instead, it increases negative self-esteem.

The survey also showed that most of the caregivers are females, and the predominant strategy that most Singaporean families use to look after the elderly is with the help of a foreign domestic worker. However, more than half of these foreign domestic workers lack the necessary skills and formal training to look after these older persons.