Debated in Parliament on 6 Feb 2017.
Mr Darryl David asked the Minister for Social and Family Development what options are available for the long-term care of adults with intellectual disabilities when the parents or caregivers of these adults pass away or are unable to care for them anymore.
Parents and caregivers of adults with disabilities are encouraged to plan ahead for the care needs of their loved ones. As a first line of support, parents and caregivers can seek the help of other family members who are willing to continue to provide care. Parents may want to explore with these family members on the possibility of them applying to the Courts to be appointed as a deputy who can make decisions for the adult with disability upon their mental incapacity or demise. This enables the person with disability to continue living in the community.
Caregivers and parents can approach the Special Needs Trust Company (SNTC) whose case managers will work together with the family to develop a care plan that provides for the well-being of the person with disability in various aspects, such as accommodation, daily living and medical needs.
One of the main concerns for parents and caregivers is providing sufficient financial support for their children with disabilities. SNTC assists parents to set up a Trust account to be managed and disbursed to meet the needs of their children with disability when required. SNTC also oversees the Special Needs Savings Scheme, which allows parents to set aside Central Provident Fund (CPF) savings for the long-term care of their children upon their demise.
For parents and caregivers who require assistance in the care of their adult children with intellectual disabilities, there are community-based programmes, such as Day Activity Centres and home-based care services.
The Adult Disability Home (ADH) is a last resort for parents if there is no other family support for their adult children with intellectual disabilities. ADHs provide care for adults with disabilities who require long-term residential care. Today, there are six ADHs providing 690 places for adults with intellectual disability and there are plans to increase the number of places to 870 by the end of this year.
PAPERCUTS