Caregiving is a profound act of love, but it often comes at a cost. Many caregivers experience physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion as they juggle caregiving responsibilities with their personal lives. For many, stepping away even briefly can feel impossible. Recognising this reality, CAL launched the pilot Respite & Resilience (R&R) Retreat, a programme offering caregivers the rare opportunity to pause, recharge, and reconnect with themselves and others. This pilot programme was made possible with support from the President’s Challenge and CAL staff who designed a 2-day-1-night programme to address the unique needs of burnt-out caregivers.
Creating Space for Self-Care
The retreats took place in May and October 2024 and welcomed a total of 30 mental health and dementia caregivers to the serene Montfort Centre at Upper Bukit Timah. Participants engaged in experiential activities and reflection exercises over two days and one night that underscored the importance of self-care in sustaining their caregiving journey.
For many, this retreat was a turning point. Caregivers shared how the experience allowed them to step away from their relentless routines, gain perspective, and find new ways to prioritise their well-being. One such caregiver is Ms Janet Yeo, who had no idea that she was on the brink of burnout until she attended the retreat. From rediscovering the benefits of proper rest to forming meaningful connections with peers, participants walked away not just rested, but more resilient and hopeful.
Empowered by Caregiver Volunteers
A key feature of the retreat was the involvement of caregiver volunteers as facilitators. These volunteers—many of whom had once sacrificed personal aspirations for caregiving—found renewed purpose as they guided their peers through workshops and shared their stories of perseverance.
This dual role allowed them not only to help others but also to rediscover their own worth, beyond caregiving. Drawing on their personal experiences, these volunteers inspired participants by demonstrating how they had navigated their own caregiving journeys.
Advancing a Culture of Support
CAL’s R&R Retreat is part of a broader mission to nurture a supportive ecosystem for caregivers. By creating a space where caregivers could be seen, heard, and supported, CAL alleviates the isolation and burnout that often accompany caregiving. CAL CEO Tim Lee underscored the importance of such initiatives, calling on more organisations to embrace caregiver support as part of their workplace well-being strategies. Flexible work arrangements and corporate sponsorships for retreats are transformative steps toward reducing the pressures on employees who are caregivers.
Looking Ahead
With its initial success and a growing waitlist, CAL will continue to explore ways to expand the R&R Retreat programme and reach out to more hidden heroes in the shadows. Conversations with corporate partners are already underway to secure funding for future runs, ensuring that more caregivers can benefit from this vital respite. If you are keen to participate in the retreat or engage CAL to organise one for your employees, reach out to nadiadaeng@cal.org.sg.
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