Debated in Parliament on 4 Feb 2025.
Dr Wan Rizal asked the Minister for Social and Family Development with reference to the Disability Trends Report 2024, what additional support is being provided to caregivers of persons with disabilities in light of the reported decline in their quality of life and difficulties in accessing financial assistance and subsidies.
Caregivers of persons with disabilities may experience higher levels of stress compared to the general population. Hence, we provide a range of support to caregivers, ranging from care services for their care recipients, respite care options, caregiver training, peer support and financial assistance.
For example, SG Enable has piloted the Take-A-Break programme, offering short-term home-based respite services to families. Additionally, the Enabling Services Hubs (ESHs) work with community partners to reach out to persons with disabilities and their caregivers and deliver community-based activities and programmes. Two more ESHs will be operational in 2025, bringing the total number of ESHs to three.
Caregivers can access the Enabling Guide on SG Enable's website as an online resource to determine the schemes and services that best suit them and how they can apply for support. Caregivers may also use the Caregiver Learning Roadmap on the website to gain relevant knowledge, skills and resources to care for themselves and their loved ones. They may also join caregiver support groups for peer and emotional support. Caregivers who need more information on caregiver support services can contact SG Enable's caregiver support team.
We will continue to review our policies and services to ensure caregivers receive the support they need. As part of the Enabling Masterplan 2030, we are committed to improving the accessibility, relevance and quality of caregiver support, enhancing their well-being across the caregiving journey.
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