Who cares for Singapore’s carers? Recent deaths highlight urgent need to tackle burnout

“Me and my dad were a tag team,” the freelance behavioural therapist said. “When he passed on, I couldn’t mourn too much because I had to handle the funeral situation as well as my mum and brother.”

She recalled an incident in April, when her brother, Bala, suffered seizures during lunch. “It was very scary for me to handle because I was terrified that he would choke. So I try not to be away for too long, check the CCTV regularly, I’m always on the lookout,” she said.

The recent sentencing of a man who had been the long-term carer for his 56-year-old brother before strangling him to death last year hit close to home for Chandramogan and other carers in Singapore, where families are taking on increasingly complex care needs amid a rapidly ageing population.

Abdul Rani Md Ariffin, 59, had been looking after his brother, who suffered from chronic illnesses and depression. A psychiatric assessment produced in court revealed that Abdul Rani was diagnosed with adjustment disorder, a depressed mood state and irritability, as well as carer stress. He also had difficulties regulating and expressing emotions.

Initially charged with murder, Abdul Rani was sentenced to eight years in jail after he pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.