Columban lay missionary Joan Yap from the Philippines. - Photo: Joan Yap
I’ve been working as a shelter supervisor for many years and have met a lot of caregivers who come to our workers’ centre for assistance and shelter. I have the chance to get to know them through our one-on-one meetings.
Caregiver workers who leave their homelands to undertake overseas contract work in Taiwan are vulnerable to abuse because they are not yet under the international labour standard law. They receive low wages, don’t have regular days off to rest, and work 24 hours a day taking care of old people.
We have time for personal sharing during our monthly meetings. I am touched by the stories of how unselfishly they care for old people who have dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other illnesses. They absorb all the negative feelings, including the pain and anger. Sometimes lacking the local language is an advantage for them because it lessens the stress in that they cannot understand the hurtful words.
There is also the emotional challenge of being separated from their own families, which is a constant struggle for them. They long to be with their families and feel guilty about not being there to care for them while they take care of others. Moreover, the distance can lead to conflicts and misunderstandings, making the emotional burden they carry even heavier. As human as they are, they sometimes feel tired and need time to recharge.
Once, I asked the caregivers about their dreams and aspirations. Many expressed a desire to improve the lives of their families and loved ones. However, they also wished for basic things like having a regular day off, a better salary, and respectful employers. These might seem like simple dreams but achieving them requires sacrifices. They are willing to make these sacrifices for the chance to provide something better for their loved ones.
Caregivers work hard to help others, but sometimes we forget they too need help. It’s innate in them to take care of others, so it is important to understand that they should also get the same care and kindness in return. Taking care of ourselves is not just good but also important so we can better help others. We want the people here in Taiwan to respect the rights of caregivers. Having a day off is not a luxury - it is a necessity.
The Hope Workers’ Centre (founded by the Columbans in the 1980s) is organising and facilitating activities for caregivers, which is challenging given that caregivers do not have regular days off and their available time may not coincide with others. However, we continue to conduct our monthly gatherings, online Rosary sessions every Friday, and Mandarin classes. These efforts are our way of honouring the caregivers and providing an opportunity to educate them about their rights.
This year, we will come together to support them in a Big Rally to advocate for caregivers' rights and welfare. Some caregivers may be unable to attend because they must work. It is our duty to stand alongside them or represent them so that their contributions are recognised, and their voices are heard. Hopefully this will help safeguard their health and well-being.
Columban lay missionary Joan Yap lives and works in Taiwan.
Columban lay missionary Joan Yap from the Philippines.
Listen to "Caring for caregivers"
Related links
- Read more from The Far East - June 2024
