Be the Lifeline: Volunteer as a Respite Carer for Boys' Town Sanctuary Care
Looking to make a difference? Boys’ Town Sanctuary Care offers a unique respite care service with essential interim support for children aged 0 to 8, allowing parents to focus on resolving emergencies. Here’s how you can help!
In Singapore’s fast-paced society, the demands on parents and primary caregivers can be overwhelming. Balancing work, caregiving, and household responsibilities is a Herculean task, particularly for low-income families who lack social support and cannot outsource their duties. This relentless pressure often leads to exhaustion and deteriorating mental health, leaving caregivers struggling to maintain their well-being. However, there is hope and relief available through Boys’ Town Sanctuary Care.
(from left to right): Chetan (Ruchi’s husband), Anaiya (daughter), and Ruchi
Over the past two years, Sanctuary Care has seen a 25 percent increase in demand for its services, with stress and mental health issues now accounting for 65 percent of referrals in 2023, up from 40 percent in 2022. With 40 active respite carers, Sanctuary Care remains a crucial lifeline for families in need.
The Lifeline for Families in Need
So, what’s respite care all about? Think of needing a nap after running a marathon. Now, imagine the marathon is life, and the nap is Sanctuary Care. It gives parents a break to handle their crises without worrying about their kids. Kids can stay with a respite carer for up to 90 days. If the stay lasts over a week, kids are encouraged to return home weekly to keep up family bonding.
Sanctuary Care plays a vital role in supporting families during times of crisis, such as caregiver burnout, medical emergencies, or a lack of alternative caregiver. By offering temporary respite care, Sanctuary Care ensures the safety and well-being of children, while providing much-needed relief to overwhelmed caregivers. This support allows families to take a step back, address their challenges, and regain their strength.
Sanctuary Care is all about teamwork. Professionals from various social service agencies like Family Service Centres, hospitals, and shelters work closely with Sanctuary Care. This network of social workers and services often refer families- in-need to Sanctuary Care, who then work in partnership with community resources to address issues at hand and to decide on how long they need placements for. A child-centric framework is adopted in ensuring that the best care for the children is provided.
At Boys’ Town Sanctuary Care, an amazing pool of volunteers’ open their homes and hearts by offering practical support while parents sort out their issues. During this period, volunteers get the necessary support needed to manage various challenges such as meltdowns from children and stabilising their transition into a new environment.
The Joy of Giving
Ask any volunteer, and they’ll say the joy of giving is worth the effort. The fulfilment from making a difference in a child’s life, even for a short time, is priceless. It’s a special chance to see the powerful impact of kindness and support up close.
“Volunteering with Sanctuary Care has been a profoundly rewarding experience for our family over the past four years. Caring for children ranging from just a week old to nine years old has been both challenging and enlightening. Each placement has taught us something new, especially as my daughter, now 18, and I relearned the basics of infant care with my husband’s unwavering support. Despite the demanding schedules and occasional emergencies – like the time we had to look into Baby E’s medical needs with the support of Sanctuary Care’s social workers – their guidance has been invaluable. The experience has strengthened our family bonds, deepened our compassion, and given us a greater appreciation for resilience. Knowing we’ve made a positive impact on these children and their families is immensely satisfying. Each child who comes into our home becomes part of our family, and the joy and love we share with them create lasting memories and bonds. This volunteer work has not only enriched our lives but has also fostered a sense of purpose and connection with our community,” shares respite carer Ruchi.
(from left to right): Chetan (Ruchi’s husband), Anaiya (daughter), and Ruchi
Boys’ Town Sanctuary Care gives lots of support to respite cares, providing guidance and essential resources. There are programmes with both short-term and long-term respite care, working closely with respite carers through regular home visits and open communication. This helps them feel confident and prepared. Whether it’s a few hours, a day or more regularly, respite care makes a big difference for the children and their families.
Why Respite Care is a Game Changer
Respite care isn’t just a quick fix; it’s a lifesaver for many families in crisis. It also reduces the chances of caregivers being burned out, which can strain family relationships, and helps keep the family dynamics healthy. This support system helps families tackle their challenges and creates a healthier, more stable environment for everyone involved.
Boys’ Town Sanctuary Care has touched many lives throughout its years of service. One such beneficiary first discovered Sanctuary Care at Boys’ Town in 2022 when she needed hip surgery and was uncertain about her partner’s work schedule.
“Reluctantly, we entrusted them with our eight-month-old baby, and to our surprise, the care provided was exceptional. The carers showed immense love and dedication, easing our fears. In April 2023, during my second surgery, Sanctuary Care again looked after our 9-month-old with remarkable attention, even managing his eczema better than we could. Thanks to their support, I could focus on my recovery without worrying about my children’s care. We are deeply grateful to Sanctuary Care, and everyone involved.”
Want to Lend a Helping Hand?
If you’re ready to become a respite caregiver, then Boys’ Town Sanctuary Care is calling your name. Whether you can offer a few days each week or longer commitments of up to three months, your contribution will make a world of difference. Becoming a respite carer is a chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of families in need. Here’s what Boys’ Town Sanctuary Care needs from potential respite carers:
Do you check off all these boxes? Then show your interest by filling up your contact details in an online form on the Boys’ Town Sanctuary Care website. The Sanctuary Care team will reach out to you and email the application form along with IMH and MSF screening consent forms. Screening will be handled behind the scenes by submitting these forms to the respective agencies, so you won’t need to attend appointments.
After Sanctuary Care receives your completed forms, they will arrange a home visit for an assessment, which includes up to two interview sessions and a panel discussion. You will be informed of the application outcome following the panel discussion, with the entire process taking approximately two to three months.
So, go ahead, put on your cape, and join Boys’ Town Sanctuary Care in their mission to provide hope and help.