Current Supply of Urgent Respite Care Services and Possibility for Increase to Capacity

Ms Tin Pei Ling asked the Minister for Health (a) whether the current supply of urgent respite care services meets the demand; and (b) whether the capacity can be increased.

Respite care services tap on the existing capacity of long-term care services, and providers activate places in response to demand. Providers are generally able to meet the demand for respite care, with the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) working with providers to prioritise clients with urgent care needs. The Ministry of Health (MOH) is reviewing the respite care landscape, including how to improve the availability and accessibility of respite options.