Caring for the Caregivers: Building Resilience and Compassion in Home Healthcare

Dr Christina Tiong, Chief Executive Officer, Home Nursing Foundation, shares how the organisation nurtures resilience, compassion, and wellbeing among teams delivering deeply personal care in community settings.

| April 2026 Edition

Happiness Perspective

• Wellbeing support must be holistic, practical, and continuous

• Compassionate care starts with emotionally supported teams

• Autonomy works best when balanced with strong team connection

• Purpose alone is not enough, consistent engagement sustains it

• Community-based work builds deeper trust and human connection

• A culture of care must include both patients and employees

In home healthcare, the line between professional responsibility and human emotion is often blurred. Teams step into patients’ homes, supporting individuals and families through some of their most vulnerable moments. For Dr Christina Tiong, Chief Executive Officer at Home Nursing Foundation (HNF), this reality makes one thing clear: caring for caregivers is not optional, it is essential.

She acknowledges that while the work is deeply meaningful, it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. “We recognise that this can take a toll over time,” she explains. To address this, HNF has built a holistic and preventive approach to employee wellbeing, ensuring support extends beyond the workplace.

From a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme that includes life coaching, mindfulness, and financial guidance, to regular engagement touchpoints, the organisation ensures that no employee feels isolated. Peer support also plays a critical role, with staff-led wellness activities creating space for shared experiences and mutual encouragement.

As Dr Tiong puts it, “We believe that caring for others begins with caring for ourselves.” It is this philosophy that enables teams to remain resilient while continuing to deliver compassionate care.

Dr Christina Tiong, Chief Executive Officer, Home Nursing Foundation

We believe that caring for others begins with caring for ourselves, and we actively create an environment where staff can stay resilient, compassionate, and well.

A Culture Shaped by the Community

Unlike traditional healthcare settings, HNF’s teams operate within patients’ homes and communities. This unique environment naturally shapes the organisation’s culture.

Every home presents a different reality, requiring employees to balance clinical expertise with emotional sensitivity. Dr Tiong notes that this has led to a culture grounded in trust, respect, and adaptability. Employees are empowered to make decisions independently, yet remain connected through strong teamwork and shared initiatives.

“Our staff must be both clinically competent and emotionally attuned,” she explains, highlighting the dual responsibility that defines their roles.

To maintain this balance, HNF invests in wellness programmes and engagement activities that foster camaraderie across teams. The result is a workplace where autonomy does not lead to isolation, but is complemented by a strong sense of belonging.

Sustaining Purpose Over Time

In mission-driven organisations, purpose often attracts people, but sustaining motivation requires consistent effort. At HNF, engagement is built through a combination of flexibility, recognition, and meaningful connection.

Flexible work arrangements and comprehensive benefits allow employees to manage their personal wellbeing alongside professional responsibilities. A gamified wellness system encourages participation in healthy activities, while initiatives such as Wellness Day and team bonding sessions create moments of connection.

Dr Tiong emphasises that these efforts are intentional. “When employees feel cared for holistically, they stay motivated and connected to the purpose of their work,” she says.

These touchpoints serve as reminders that while the work may be demanding, employees are part of a supportive and appreciative community.

The HNF Experience

For those considering a career in healthcare or community care, HNF offers more than just a role, it offers a sense of belonging.

Dr Tiong describes the organisation as a place where care extends equally to patients and employees. From the very beginning, onboarding processes introduce mindfulness and self-care practices, setting the tone for a supportive environment.

“What sets HNF apart is our strong culture of care, not just for patients, but for our people,” she shares.

This commitment to psychological safety and continuous support ensures that employees feel valued, heard, and empowered throughout their journey.