Debated in Parliament on 22 Sep 2025.
Dr Charlene Chen asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what has been the utilisation rate of the Take-A-Break caregiver respite programme to date; (b) what constraints or challenges have been identified in its implementation; (c) how does the Ministry intend to increase awareness of this service; and (d) what assistance is available when caregivers themselves are temporarily unable to provide care, such as during medical procedures or surgeries.
Take-A-Break (TAB) is a home-based respite care pilot started by SG Enable in 2020 to support caregivers of persons with disabilities. As of 31 August 2025, TAB has supported close to 400 caregivers, utilising over 20,000 hours of respite. SG Enable continues to review and refine the programme to ensure that it meets the needs of caregivers.
If caregivers are temporarily unable to provide care, they can access respite care options including home-based services like TAB, enrol their care recipients in activities at community facilities or short-term respite care at disability homes.
SG Enable works with disability service providers, hospitals, Enabling Services Hubs and community organisations, like CaringSG's caregiver networks, to raise awareness of respite care options, including TAB. Caregivers may also learn about respite care options through the disability support website, Enabling Guide (www.enablingguide.sg).
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