Plans to Increase Take-up Rate of Caregivers Training Grant and Widen Support for Carers Supporting Elderly or Sick Family Members

Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Health what are the Government’s plans to (i) increase the take-up rate of the Caregivers Training Grant and (ii) widen the support available for carers supporting elderly or sick family members and those with dementia.

The Caregivers Training Grant (CTG) provides subsidies for caregivers to attend approved courses to better care for their loved ones. To strengthen take-up, we have enhanced the courses so that caregiver training remains relevant and accessible. For example, there are more online training programmes during this COVID-19 period. We have also raised awareness through AIC Links, AIC’s website and social media platforms. Hospitals, community care organisations and employment agencies for foreign domestic workers also share about the CTG to their clients and caregivers.

MOH will continually review our support for caregivers of seniors, including frail senior or those with dementia. For example, MOH launched the Caregiver Support Action Plan in 2019. Key initiatives include the launch of four community outreach teams and seven support networks to support caregivers’ socio-emotional well-being, enhanced respite care options and the introduction of the Home Caregiving Grant, which provides a monthly cash pay-out of $200 to eligible care recipients to help defray the costs of community caregiving. Earlier this year, we launched a new pilot to provide caregivers with a structured support system when their loved ones are first diagnosed with dementia.