Debated in Parliament on 12 Sep 2022.
Ms Ng Ling Ling asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what options are available to caregivers of adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities who also have serious psychotic or behavioural problems rendering them ineligible for admission to Adult Disability Homes; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider respite care options for these caregivers especially those who are senior citizens.
Caregivers play a critical role in supporting persons with disabilities. We recognise that taking care of a loved one with disabilities, especially if the person also has psychotic and behavioural issues, is stressful, and caregivers regardless of age may need support or respite from time to time. Caregivers can contact SG Enable to be referred to the Home-Based Behavioural Intervention Services (HBIS). HBIS supports persons with disabilities who have behavioural needs by reinforcing positive, socially acceptable behaviour among clients at home. Caregivers can get some respite while their loved ones are receiving the service.
Caregivers can also tap on community support networks such as CaringSG and a range of caregiver-led initiatives supported by SG Enable that support caregivers of persons with special needs. Relevant information such as respite options and contact details of support groups can be found in SG Enable's Enabling Guide, a first-stop resource portal for information on disability in Singapore.
We will continue to review the range of services available and to build capabilities of our service providers to ensure that caregivers are supported. At the same time, the emotional support of family members, friends, and other caregivers who can understand what they are going through is also very helpful. Let us all play a part by extending a helping hand, or a listening ear, to support the caregivers we know.
PAPERCUTS