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TikTok user highlights caregivers’ struggles, calls for better support
A TikTok user and Singapore resident has highlighted the struggles of caregivers, especially those supporting younger disabled individuals. He criticised the government’s limited aid, questioning its adequacy, and urged better financial support and part-time job opportunities to help caregivers sustain themselves.
SINGAPORE: Singaporean TikTok user Is’haq Rajoo Jay has drawn attention to the struggles faced by caregivers, particularly those looking after younger disabled individuals.
In a video, he questioned whether the government’s financial aid was truly sufficient, arguing that the current support system leaves many caregivers struggling to meet their daily needs.
Jay, who is also an F&B businessman and sports coach, specifically highlighted the case of Suresh Vanaz, who has been the primary caregiver for his 40-year-old brother, Seelan, for over two decades.
Seelan has cerebral palsy, and since their mother’s passing, Suresh has taken full responsibility for his care. Despite his dedication, financial constraints have made caregiving an uphill battle.
However, Jay pointed out that the challenges caregivers face are not just financial but also stem from a lack of understanding and empathy from officials.
A Lifelong Commitment Amid Financial Struggles
Suresh has devoted his life to caring for Seelan, yet financial limitations continue to make his situation difficult.
Jay highlighted that Suresh receives only $600 in financial aid per month, along with 2.5kg of rice from a food bank and a $30 voucher.
However, these provisions fall short of covering his expenses.
Suresh has a helper to assist in caring for Seelan, but hiring one required him to provide six months’ worth of payslips—an administrative hurdle that many caregivers in similar situations struggle with.
“Did they think about who would take care of his brother when he goes to work? No,” Jay said, pointing out the impracticality of the system.
Without proper support, Suresh had no choice but to bring Seelan along to his freelance jobs.
“How many employers would allow that?” Jay asked, questioning whether the current policies account for the realities of caregiving.
Even with the aid he receives, survival remains a daily challenge.
Jay noted that 2.5kg of rice lasts about three weeks only if Suresh relies on instant noodles, while the $30 voucher per month barely covers basic necessities.
“Those who came up with this figure—come, I bring you go shopping at a supermarket. Let me see what you buy to last a month,” Jay said, criticising the unrealistic amount of aid provided.
Criticism Over Limited Caregiver Support
Jay also took issue with the recent budget, which expanded financial aid for caregivers but only for those taking care of seniors.
He questioned why people like Suresh, who care for younger disabled individuals, were excluded.
“How about a person like Suresh and many others like him? Is he just another statistic that fell through the cracks?” he asked, criticising the lack of inclusivity in government policies.
He stressed that caregivers should not just receive the bare minimum to survive but should be able to live with dignity.
“The system ensures basic survival, but what about their quality of life? Are they not human like the rest of us?” Jay said, calling the situation “heartbreaking.”
A Call for Action
Jay urged the government to take a more practical and inclusive approach to caregiver support.
He suggested offering part-time jobs to caregivers in town councils and other public sectors, allowing them to work four to six hours a day.
This, he argued, would provide financial independence while ensuring they could still fulfil their caregiving responsibilities.
“If they find it hard to support those who are physically handicapped and those who are caring for them, that’s because they themselves are mentally handicapped to find a solution to not only this issue, but many other troubles that are plaguing us in our society,” he said, calling for a more comprehensive and empathetic support system.
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Netizens Weigh In on Caregiving Struggles
Jay’s TikTok video highlighting the struggles faced by caregivers in Singapore sparked discussion, with many netizens expressing support for Suresh and lamenting that those who truly need help often struggle to receive adequate assistance.
One user described Suresh as a responsible person, both as a brother and a son, and hoped that the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) would do more to support him and others in similar situations.
Another commenter pointed out that many people who truly deserve help do not receive it.
The user expressed admiration for Suresh’s sacrifice, noting that it is rare to see someone prioritise their sibling’s well-being over their own happiness.
One user questioned how financial aid is assessed, pointing out that Suresh receives only $600 a month while others in different situations get over $1,000.
Another commenter, who had done door-to-door aid work, respected Suresh’s perseverance and believed authorities assumed he could still work, providing minimal support.
They noted that many struggling individuals repeatedly fail to secure help, while those living comfortably may not see these hardships.
Another commenter responded to the video by asking Jay what solutions he would propose.
In response, Jay called for better financial aid and flexible job opportunities for caregivers, suggesting that the government provide Suresh with a role that accommodates his caregiving duties to improve his quality of life.
