Schedule time for yourself, set healthy boundaries, seek support from others, get professional help when needed and prioritise your health, were some of the advice offered by motivational speaker from Singapore Mizi Wahid for carers during his talk on ‘Carer Fatigue: Addressing the Needs of Those who Care’ at the World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2024.
Themed is ‘Ten Years Since the Resolution: How Are We Doing?’, the event was organised by Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre (PJSC) on Friday.
Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar was the guest of honour.
Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Fiscal) Pengiran Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Zety Sufina binti Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Sani, and chairperson of the event PJSC Head of Department Medical Oncology and Palliative Consultant Medical Oncologist Dr Zulkhairi bin Haji Mohamad were present.
Dr Zulkhairi explained that palliative care is a specialised medical approach aimed at relieving symptoms and stress from serious illnesses, improving the quality of life for patients, their families and caregivers. It addresses not only physical needs but also emotional, social, and spiritual aspects through pain management, symptom control and decision-making support.
Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar in a group photo at the ‘Carer Fatigue: Addressing the Needs of Those who Care’ talk yesterday. PHOTO: JAMES KON Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre Head of Department Medical Oncology and Palliative Consultant Medical Oncologist Dr Zulkhairi bin Haji Mohamad delivers a speech. PHOTO: JAMES KON Motivational speaker from Singapore Mizi Wahid. PHOTO: JAMES KON Photos show the attendees during the talk. PHOTO: JAMES KON PHOTO: JAMES KON
He added that the event’s theme encourages reflection on progress made and highlights the often overlooked issue of carer fatigue, noting that while caring for loved ones is rewarding, it can also be emotionally and physically exhausting.
Mizi Wahid also offered insights into the mental, physical and spiritual toll caregiving can have on individuals.
He explained that carer fatigue comes from constant caregiving with long hours, disrupted sleep and lack of self-care, leading to feelings of exhaustion and wanting to give up.
He shared practical self-care tips based on Islamic values, citing Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), who said that relieving someone’s distress brings great rewards in the hereafter.
He added that caring is a form of generosity, and Allah the Almighty loves those who give their time, energy and compassion.
His message empowered carers to balance their well-being while maintaining their roles, providing both strengthen and purpose. – James Kon