By Cheryl Chia

FINISHING work beyond the stipulated time does not bother Ms Chan Mui, as long as she meets all the needs of her elderly clients.

Ms Chan, 35, is a caregiver with Comfort Keepers in Singapore, a franchise that originated in the United States and has 550 offices globally offering in-home care for senior citizens.

Mr Ng Ling Ching, 43, who founded the franchise here in July 2006, said that business has picked up in the last year.

Comfort Keepers offers a comprehensive range of services, including everything from basic services like meal preparation to recreational activities for senior citizens.

Ms Chan, who took a two-month course in caring for the elderly prior to joining Comfort Keepers, said: "When the elderly people I care for are happy, it is very rewarding for me. Even if I am booked for two hours and I have a lot of errands to run, I would still allow them time to choose their clothes or doll themselves up before I take them out for some fresh air."

Ms Chan also ensures that food prepared for her clients is minced well so that they would not choke. She is learning Malay so she could converse with her Malay-speaking clients better.

Said Mr Ng: "It is not necessary to have a background in nursing to be a caregiver for Comfort Keepers. If applicants have previous experience taking care of senior citizens, for example, their own grandparents, we would provide them with the training to work as a caregiver."

Mr Ng said that his workers are from 30 to over 65 years of age and all they needed is to have a "healthy interest in helping others".

He added that all applicants are screened before they are hired.

Ms Shelly Tan, an administrator in her mid-40s, is one satisfied client of Comfort Keepers.

She said: "I was quite impressed with the way the worker handled my late uncle. She was very cheerful and managed to put a smile on his face."

She added that the worker was very perceptive and could advise her on what scent of air freshener to buy to calm her uncle's nerves.

Clients are charged $15 to $20 per hour, depending on how long they need the caregivers.

A Comfort Keepers caregiver is paid an hourly wage of $7 to $8 on weekdays. An additional $3 is paid on Sundays and public holidays.

Accounts executive Selina Tan, 42, is one of those open to using such a service.

She said: "It is a very useful service as it would provide companionship for my mother- in-law so she would not feel lonely.

"If I didn't have a maid, I would not mind using such a service."

ccher@sph.com.sg

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