EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIPS AND EXPERIENCES OF OLDER ADULTS UNDER THE CARE OF FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Despite the heavy reliance on foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) for caregiving support in Singapore, local and international literature exploring the relationships and experiences of older adults (OAs) under the care of FDHs are few and far between. This study attempts to explore the nature of care relationships between OAs and FDHs, factors influencing these relationships, and the care experiences of OAs. Both negative and positive experiences were explored. This study adopted a qualitative exploratory research design. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with eight OAs recruited from AWWA Rehab and Day care Centre through purposive sampling. The study found that the nature of relationships between OAs and FDHs can be viewed on a spectrum of formality. While care relationships fluctuate between formal and informal nature, the majority of the care dyads in this study form more formal relationships. In this study, six factors influencing care relationships were identified: (i) language as a barrier; (ii) structural characteristics of FDHs’ work environment; (iii) structural dependency (iv) structural risk; (v) presence of family support; and (vi) gender. OAs who have more informal care relationships enjoy more positive experiences than those who have more formal care relationships. All OAs were found to have the strengths and capabilities to manage their negative experience. By presenting the voices of OAs in this study, it allows their personal needs to be uncovered in order to better inform social work practice and policies.