I think another issue nowadays is we are competing to hire domestic helpers against other international demand, eg middle east and north asia, who are able to provide a higher salary compared to what we are used to pay. And it is on top of the fact that other countries are more liberal with their benefits to the helpers eg weekend off etc.
It is hard to compete in terms of welfare vs other countries. We dont have to look too far, just take a look at Hong Kong, their domestic helpers get to get out every weekend! I think most of us will go mad without helper on weekends.
Thanks all for these thoughts! Yes, there are so many considerations while choosing domestic helper. But it is hard to be able to tell if they are good (in a qualitative sense), easier to do it via quantitative manner, which is via nationality, age, education.
Yeah it comes at 1) a great cost and 2) you are unable to ask them to do a lot of other things such as gardening/cleaning toilets etc. They will be abit more atas...
I am of the view that there must be at least some form of education and ability to understand English is important. Mainly because they will have to help with the medication for the elderly. It will be challenging if not dangerous if they are unable to handle the meds proficiently. And if they are proficient in English, they can also help with the younger children (read to them and or even help with spelling!)
I think it is a case by case situation. Language will be one of the consideration. Eg. If the old folks at home speaks Malay, an indonesian helper might be more useful when it comes to understanding the old folks compared to the Pilipino. Some people have choose to go with Burmese because some of them are able to speak chinese, and that helps a lot in communication with the old folks. As for children, its really up to the parents. Sometimes its hard to find one solution that fit both older folks and younger kids. you will have to choose which is the more crucial problem to solve.
Yes, i do think one will have to choose which is the more important problem to solve. Trying to kill two birds with one stone potentially will not solve any problem at all.
I think another issue nowadays is we are competing to hire domestic helpers against other international demand, eg middle east and north asia, who are able to provide a higher salary compared to what we are used to pay. And it is on top of the fact that other countries are more liberal with their benefits to the helpers eg weekend off etc.
Thanks all for these thoughts! Yes, there are so many considerations while choosing domestic helper. But it is hard to be able to tell if they are good (in a qualitative sense), easier to do it via quantitative manner, which is via nationality, age, education.
Nationality is secondary, you will be better off with helpers that have a kind heart!
Not too sure if it is too big an ask, is it possible to get maids who has done nursing? It will be the most suitable
I am of the view that there must be at least some form of education and ability to understand English is important. Mainly because they will have to help with the medication for the elderly. It will be challenging if not dangerous if they are unable to handle the meds proficiently. And if they are proficient in English, they can also help with the younger children (read to them and or even help with spelling!)
I think it is a case by case situation. Language will be one of the consideration. Eg. If the old folks at home speaks Malay, an indonesian helper might be more useful when it comes to understanding the old folks compared to the Pilipino. Some people have choose to go with Burmese because some of them are able to speak chinese, and that helps a lot in communication with the old folks. As for children, its really up to the parents. Sometimes its hard to find one solution that fit both older folks and younger kids. you will have to choose which is the more crucial problem to solve.