Ray of Hope is raising $3,792 ($316 x 12 months) to defray Mdm Wati’s expenses for her siblings’ daily needs.

Mdm Wati broke down as she recounted to our caseworkers how she often she feels helpless as the main caregiver of her two, older siblings. Mdm Wati’s 69 year-old sister suffered a stroke five years ago and has had a speech impairment ever since; their 70 year-old brother had a stroke four years ago.

Mdm Wati, 56, is the youngest of 9 siblings in the family. Most of her siblings struggle with their health and financial issues. Mdm Wati commutes to her brother’s 1-room rental flat daily and cares for both bedridden siblings until the evening. Her siblings also have home doctors (fully subsidised) who check in on them regularly.

Mdm Wati worries about her finances, as she is not working and her siblings have long-term medical needs. Her husband is the sole breadwinner and earns approximately $1,000 a month from his job as a delivery person. They have a 31 year-old son who is married with 2 children to support. He also supports 3 children from his previous marriage.

Caregiving for loved ones is rewarding, but dealing with the demands can be very challenging. Although her siblings receive monthly CPF payouts as well as quarterly payouts from the Silver Support Scheme, the amount is barely enough to cover the expenses for their diapers, wipes and other basic necessities.

*Mdm Wati is not receiving social assistance.