Over the last decade, domestic workers have been in the news for a myriad of reasons: abuse, getting abused and, curiously, Tik Tok.
However, these instances are largely the minority, with healthy, thriving relationships between employers and domestic workers still deemed to be the usual norm.
Throughout the years, domestic helpers have dedicated their time and effort to taking care of entire families, all for wages that majority of Singaporeans would easily pass over.
They have also cultivated affectionate bonds with growing members of the family, and solid trust and relations with their employers.
In fact, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that some have even become members of the family they’re working for.
Domestic Helper that has been with Family 31 Yrs Became ‘Severely Disabled’; Unable to Move Her Limbs and Can Barely Talk
And yet, that’s precisely why it hurts even more when something unfortunate happens to them.
It’s also a notion that Facebook user Tsukiko Reikan will relate to painfully well, considering the current circumstances.
According to a Facebook post by the user, her maid had suffered a major stroke in January this year – an occurrence that left the domestic helper in a distinct state of vulnerability.
Apparently, she is no longer able to walk and has to rely on a feeding tube for nutrients.
The helper is also unable to move most of her limbs, and can barely talk.
Though such a notion would hurt for any family, it pains Tsukiko in an especially prominent manner, as the domestic helper had been with them for 31 whole years.
“My maid has been with my family for 31 years,” the user wrote. “She is like a mother to me, and I don’t know where I would be without her.
“It completely breaks my heart to see her in this state.”
Apparently, the domestic helper has showered the Facebook user with unconditional love over the years, even going so far as to buy a Nintendo DS for her despite a limited salary.
In addition, Tsukiko reminisced the days when the caring helper would hold an umbrella for her, “because she thought the sun was too hot”.
The helper is also said to be a diligent member of the family and has never requested additional salary or off-days.
She has been with the family through every major milestone, and would even lookout for other domestic helpers in the neighbourhood.
Rising Costs
The domestic helper may seem to be an especially selfless individual, but such notions do not apply in the eyes of the law. Or in this case, the medical industry.
And that’s especially so when she’s a foreign worker, who is not entitled to any governmental subsidies.
Despite it only being two months since the unfortunate episode occurred, she has already incurred around $60,000 in medical expenses.
To make things worse, the helper had suffered another stroke, just three weeks after the first. This latest setback did not just reset all the progress therapy had made but worsened her condition as well.
Both medically and mentally.
Having put her 101% into therapy sessions after her first stroke, she was left weak and demoralised after the second one.
The usual spark in her eyes, according to the family, went out.
Even the doctors at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, where she has been warded, have professed that the only thing they can do at this point is advised on rehabilitation.
Things, even from a bystander’s point of view, were looking bleak.
Help
Despite the circumstances, the family is still trying to make do. But that’s especially difficult even in normal times, let alone tumultuous times such as now.
As such, the user’s sister has set up a crowdfunding page at Give.Asia, in the hopes that good Samaritans would be able to contribute to their financial endeavour.
Thus far, over S$38,000 has been raised.
It’s still, however, nearly S$62,000 short of their end goal.
Nevertheless, the employer has stated that any amount would help.
Even just spreading the word would be greatly appreciated.
“As a silent contributor and member of our society,” the fundraising page stated. “We are just giving Papin a voice, for once. And we sincerely hope Singaporeans will be generous in coming forth. Any support and contribution is greatly appreciated. Thank you.”
As for their end goal at this point in time?
Helping their dear domestic helper to get back on her feet, and eventually to her hometown.
“We hope to be able to provide her with the best care we can right now,” the user wrote. “Allowing her to return back to her home town one day when she is better.”
You can view the full Facebook post down below:
Featured Image: Facebook (Tsukiko Reikan)
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