“Most volunteer programmes that run during office hours or weekends are difficult for me to commit to,” said the Indian national, who has been in Singapore since 2008. “With Night Sitters, I’m able to volunteer on my days off, so it’s more manageable for me.”
The choice to be involved in eldercare is also a personal one. “I like to interact with seniors because they remind me of my parents back in India,” she told CNA Women.
“Being with them makes me feel connected to my family. I also see this as a way to learn more about taking care of the elderly, which will help me prepare for when I need to care for my ageing parents.” Her father is 63 and a retired police sub-inspector while her 52-year-old mother is a homemaker.
The early-morning slot is when most patients are awake and Kayalvizhi described it as “a very interactive shift”, talking to them and assisting with their needs.
“Chatting with patients is my favourite part of volunteering,” said Kayalvizhi, a mum to two teenage boys. “They feel comfortable opening up and I feel very happy knowing that simply listening and being present can ease their emotional burden.”
DOMESTIC WORKER BY DAY, NIGHT SITTER AT NIGHT
Jean Tanza Dagatan, a 46-year-old Filipino foreign domestic worker, has been the primary caregiver to her 91-year-old employer for many years, accompanying her during frequent hospital stays at TTSH.
As a result, she learnt proper caregiving techniques and wanted to use these skills to help others.
Additionally, Dagatan pursued a nursing course on Sundays from June 2024 to March 2025 and was encouraged to volunteer at a local hospital or nursing home to gain experience. She has been a Night Sitter since May 2025.
“Nights in the hospital can be especially challenging and I wanted to offer my help to those in need,” she said. “The Night Sitters programme also suited my schedule well.”