“Being a single parent is not a life full of struggles, but a journey for the strong. ” - Meg Lowrey -
Grandparent Carer
Perhaps due to a family crisis, some traumatic event, or whatever other reasons, you have now become a primary carer of your grandchild.
As much as you want to help to take care of the grandchild who has come to live with you, being a grandparent carer isn’t easy especially if it isn’t even a choice. The feelings can be mixed.
Even though your lifestyle would no longer be the same, you know you’re to give your grandchild a safe and caring home.
Click here to view the videos of how other grandparents are coping as they share their joy and challenges of looking after their grandchildren.
We've also found this very useful guide produced by Raising Children Network which sets out essential information about being a primary grandparent carer.
Self-Care
Remember to find time to take care of yourself because self-care is an important part of your caring role.
These are some of the tips provided in the guide:
- Take some time for yourself, even if it’s just 15 minutes each day doing something you enjoy – reading or going for a walk
- Make time for at least one regular activity of your own.
- Ask for help. Friends, family, community centres, agencies and local services can all help you.
Mourning And Grieving
When your spouse dies, your world changes. To many, the death of a spouse is the ultimate marriage crisis.
We understand coping with the loss of a loved one may be one of the hardest challenges. The feelings can be overwhelming. You may feel numb, shocked, and fearful. The journey ahead may seem uncertain, frightening, or even lonely.
It is okay to mourn.
Don't be afraid to talk about how you feel and know that healing can take place when you share your grief outside yourself.
Listed below are some articles that provide practical suggestions to help you move toward healing:
• Helping Yourself Heal When Your Spouse Dies
• Mourning the Death of a Spouse
• Coping with the Death of a Spouse
Seek Help
Find a support system
Connect with people who may have experienced the death of their spouses and who will be able to provide the understanding you need.
If you are facing the loss of your husband, you may want to join Wicare Support Group.
Wicare Support Group
Tel: 6354 2475 (Mondays to Fridays, 9am - 6pm)
Email: contactus@wicare.org.sg
Address: 9 Bishan Place Junction 8 Office Tower, #08-01, Singapore, 579837
Get support from community
Grief Matters is a movement by Montfort Care that aim to promote bereaved-friendly practices in the community, workplaces and schools, in addition to offer personalised care to the bereaved.
You can reach out to them for support to help you navigate the experience of losing a significant person.
Grief Matters
Tel: 8181 0448
Email: griefmatters@montfortcare.org.sg
Address: 1 Lor 2 Toa Payoh #02-08,
Braddell House, S319637
Talk with your doctor or speak with professionals:
If sadness keeps you from carrying on with your day-to-day life, it is advised that you seek professional help.
Hotline / Helpline | Who is it for? | Day | Times | Telephone |
Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) | Anybody in crisis and the suicidal. | Daily | 24 hours | 1800 – 2214444 |
Mental Health Helpline | Those suffering from psychological and psychiatric problems | Daily | 24 hours | 6389-2222 |
SAMH Helpline | For people who have psychological, psychiatric or social problem and others who need information on services for such persons | Mon – Fri | 9am – 5pm | 1800 – 2837019 |
Hotline 800 | Mandarin speaking community with family marital and personal problem | Mon – Sun | 10am – 9pm | 1800 - 3535800 |
AMP Hotline | Malay / Muslim families in crisis or those who need help | Mon – Fri | 10am – 5pm | 6416-3960 |
Club HEAL | For Malay / Muslim individuals or families who require assistance with or support for mental health concerns | Mon – Fri | 9am – 5pm | 6899-3463 |
Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA) | Indian families in need of assistance or counselling | Mon – Fri | 9am – 5pm | 1800-295-4554 |
Aware Helpline | Women with a variety of concerns | Mon – Fri | 3pm – 9.30pm | 1800-774-5935 |
Counselling & Care Centre | For individuals, couple and families experiencing psychological, marital or family problems | Mon – Fri | 8.30am – 5pm | 6536-6366 |
(Source: www.imh.com.sg)