A son’s caregiving journey

Throughout his caregiving journey, Mr Haizal has frequently faced challenging situations. When his elder sister found herself incarcerated, he courageously stepped into the role of primary caregiver for their aging parents, all while managing his job as a store manager. He shouldered the responsibility of supporting both parents until his sister’s release in 2021. With her return, she took on caring for their father, leaving Mr. Haizal to tend to their mother’s needs.

Mr. Haizal faced a heart-wrenching decision in 2021: leaving his stable job to provide round-the-clock care for his bedridden mother. Because of her multiple chronic ailments, including confusion and speech difficulties, she was fully dependent on him.

“I knew I had to put my parents’ needs first because they rely on me,” Mr. Haizal shares with a heavy heart.

How can you help?

Ray of Hope is reaching out for support in raising $3,600, which would cover six months’ worth of groceries ($400) and essential medical supplies like diapers, wipes, and underpads ($200) for Mr. Haizal’s family.

Your kindness can make a world of difference, easing the financial strain and allowing Mr. Haizal to devote more time and energy to caring for his beloved mother.

Offering a glimmer of hope in Mr. Haizal’s arduous journey

“The responsibilities can feel overwhelming at times, and I just wish for a moment of respite,” Mr. Haizal confides.

Lacking external support, Mr. Haizal turns to his elder sister for solace whenever the weight of his responsibilities becomes too much to bear. Despite the shared burden, they find strength in each other, a bond that sustains them through the toughest of times. Yet, despite their closeness, Mr. Haizal finds himself increasingly isolated since becoming a full-time caregiver, his once vibrant social life now a distant memory.

Financial strain compounded Mr. Haizal’s challenges as he grappled with unemployment. Despite his best efforts, including taking up gig work as a Grab food delivery rider, earning a modest $40 per day for 3 to 4 days a week, he eventually had to cease all work to dedicate himself entirely to his mother’s care. Since then, the family has leaned heavily on the Silver Support Scheme and Caregivers’ Grants to meet their daily needs.

Despite his fervent desire to re-enter the workforce, the demanding nature of his caregiving duties, particularly following his mother’s heart attack in October ’23, makes finding suitable employment an uphill battle.

Your support, whether through donations or simply spreading the word, will provide Mr. Haizal with the strength and resources he needs to continue caring for his ailing mother with love and dignity.