Male Caregivers Are Uncommon In Singapore, But There Are Advantages In Hiring One.

Traditionally, caregiving roles have been associated with women, especially when it comes to foreign domestic workers, or maids in common terms, it is often a rare sighting to see even 1 male helper in every 100 hires. 

A recent episode of “狮城有约” (Hello Singapore) titled “男得一见：男看护” (A Rare Sight: Male Caregivers) challenges this perception. The episode from Mediacorp sheds light on men who have chosen careers in caregiving, where according to the video, there are approximately 70 male caregivers since 2019.

Breaking Gender Norms in Caregiving

Caregiving has long been considered a nurturing role, often linked with maternal instincts. However, the featured male caregivers in the episode prove that competence and dedication transcend gender. These men prove to bring some advantages over their female counterparts when it comes to providing domestic services:

1. They also provide more convenience and comfort when it comes to helping male elderly to shower and change.
   
2. They are usually strong in physique, allowing them to perform caregiving duties such as transfers and toileting of the elderly who are on the heavier side. 
   
3. They remove awkwardness when supporting male elderly family members, especially when the male employer is living alone. 

Challenges Faced When Hiring Male Caregivers

Despite the benefits they bring, hiring a male domestic helper may not be as straightforward, or suitable for everyone. Here are some potential reasons you may want to consider. 

1. Since the demand for male caregivers is relatively low, there is also a low supply for them. Most agencies do not have readily available helpers, and bringing them in from abroad usually takes longer than female helpers due to the selection process.
   
2. Majority of them are from Myanmar, so for employers who prefer to hire a helper from another nationality, this may not suit them.
   
3. They serve a niche group of customers who are mostly male elderly who may have mobility issues. 
   
4. Female employers or families with female members may find it uncomfortable having a young man living in the same house. 

To Conclude

If you are a male living alone, or you are hiring a helper as a caregiver for your elderly father or grandfather, male caregivers could be a great option for you. But due to having lower supply, at Homekeeper, we strongly recommend our customers to let us know the intent as early as possible. Reach out to us today if you need some opinion on what’s best for you and your family.