SINGAPORE: A recent Facebook post by a Hougang resident has ignited a debate about the responsibilities of foreign domestic helpers caring for elderly
SINGAPORE: A recent Facebook post by a Hougang resident has ignited a debate about the responsibilities of foreign domestic helpers caring for elderly individuals. In his post shared on August 9, Ho Wei Sheng, who claims to be new to Singapore, questioned whether it is standard for maids to bring elderly employers to the same location daily, leaving them to see the “same scenery” while the helper is preoccupied with her phone.
Ho observed a pair—a senior citizen in a wheelchair and his maid—repeatedly at the same spot in a HDB block void deck. He remarked on the maid’s behavior, stating, “Playing, swiping her phone. Same scenery the uncle is seeing, the bicycles.” He expressed concern for elderly individuals in similar situations, urging, “It hurts me if this is happening to my elderly [family member].”
His post quickly garnered over 180 comments and 200 shares, with many netizens weighing in. Some expressed sympathy for the elderly, criticizing the maid’s perceived negligence. One commenter stated, “Pity the elderly,” while another labeled the maid’s behavior as “irresponsible.”
Conversely, several netizens came to the maid’s defense. One user argued, “Please blame his own children for not taking care of him. Don’t expect an outsider to be 24/7 sitting or standing beside him. Helpers need to have their own space and break too.” Another commenter, identifying as a foreign domestic helper, suggested that “some people are judgemental and don’t know what work” maids are facing.
AsiaOne has reached out to Ho for further information regarding his post.
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