From the Series: Care Without Harm – Safeguarding Our Vulnerable Loved Ones
In the recent case of the 90-year-old woman with dementia who was assaulted by her helper, one key detail stood out: the helper said she felt “very stressed” and overwhelmed.
While this never justifies abuse, it highlights a crucial reality—many helpers lack the training and emotional tools to cope with the heavy demands of caregiving.
Why Proper Training Matters
Many helpers are expected to juggle:
- Complex caregiving tasks, such as caring for elderly individuals or young children
- Household responsibilities, including cooking, cleaning, and laundry
- Adapting to a new culture and language—all at the same time
Without proper preparation and support, even dedicated helpers can feel burnt out, overwhelmed, and emotionally unprepared.
What You Can Do as an Employer
Here are three practical steps to better support your helper from the start:
1. Clarify Expectations Early
Don’t assume your helper knows how to handle conditions like dementia or autism.
- Explain care routines clearly
- Demonstrate how you want certain tasks done
- Use visual aids or written instructions if needed
2. Provide Structured Training
- Use onboarding videos, demonstration sessions, or formal caregiving courses
- If you’re working with an agency, ask detailed questions:
- What training has the helper received?
- Can the helper explain the steps she’d take in specific care scenarios?
3. Teach and Model Coping Skills
Encourage a healthy environment:
- Teach calming techniques or how to ask for help
- Normalize stress and support seeking
- Be approachable—let your helper know they can speak up safely
Recognising and Reducing Caregiver Stress
Caregivers are human too. To provide consistent, compassionate care, they need:
- Adequate rest days and personal time
- Mental health check-ins, especially in high-stress caregiving roles
- Recognition and encouragement when they perform well—not just correction when mistakes happen
🗣️ “Once I treated her less like a maid and more like a teammate, everything changed. My helper became more confident and caring towards my mum.”
— A grateful employer
Prevention Also Means Empowerment
Supporting your helper isn’t just about protecting your loved ones—it’s also about setting your helper up for success. When helpers feel equipped, respected, and supported, they’re more likely to provide compassionate, high-quality care.
📢 Share this with a fellow employer, especially if they’re onboarding a new helper. A little guidance can go a long way.
Stay tuned for Part 3 in our Care Without Harm series, where we’ll explore how to monitor care safely—without creating a culture of mistrust.