Debated in Parliament on 25 Sep 2025.
Ms Diana Pang Li Yen asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what structured support systems exist to guide caregivers in Singapore, defined as individuals caring for the elderly or the young, including pre-caregiving education, and clear information channels on assistance once they become caregivers; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider incorporating basic caregiving awareness into public education as Singapore transitions into a super-aged society.
Ms Diana Pang Li Yen asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what post-caregiving support is available to help caregivers reintegrate into society, including employment assistance, financial aid and mental health services; and (b) how will such measures ensure caregivers receive adequate support after their caregiving duties end.
The Government has in place a range of measures to support caregivers on their caregiving journey. Public education efforts are in place to prepare potential caregivers. For example, the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) launched the "We See You Care campaign" in 2023, to raise awareness of the different support measures for caregivers of seniors, including subsidised training courses. The Families for Life Council supports parents and caregivers of children by equipping them with parenting and grandparenting skills and knowledge.
At the onset of caregiving, caregivers can access support and resources at various touchpoints. AIC Links are nationwide touchpoints where caregivers of seniors can receive advice on caregiver training courses and be connected to long-term care and respite services. Parents and caregivers of newborns will be supported by hospital staff at point of hospital discharge, with a range of resources provided through digital platforms, such as LifeSG. Preschool services also help parents balance work and caregiving responsibilities.
Financial support is also available to offset caregiving costs. As announced at Budget 2025, the Ministry of Health (MOH) will enhance means-tested subsidies for long-term care services and grants, like the Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund and Home Caregiving Grant. For families with young children, the Government has been reducing fee caps at Government-supported preschools over the years, in addition to providing preschool subsidies.
To support the mental health of caregivers, the Government has enhanced access to support through various First Stops for Mental Health, such as the national mindline 1771. Caregivers can also turn to relevant peer support groups for socio-emotional support, such as the Caregiver Support Network organised by Community Outreach Teams which cater to caregivers who have or are at risk of developing depressive and anxiety symptoms and burnout.
For caregivers who are ready to return to work, they can tap on SkillsFuture courses and Workforce Singapore's employment facilitation and reskilling initiatives, such as Career Conversion Programmes, at any point in their caregiving journey. For employed caregivers, the Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA) Requests supports employers to provide FWAs, to help caregivers manage work aspirations and caregiving needs.
PAPERCUTS