INCLUSION OF QUESTIONS ON CAREGIVING IN NATIONAL CENSUS SURVEY TO BETTER INFORM CAREGIVER SUPPORT POLICIES FOR AGEING POPULATION

NOTICE PAPER NO. 861
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 15 FEBRUARY 2022

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Ms Carrie Tan
MP for Nee Soon GRC

Question No. 2168

To ask the Minister for Health whether the Ministry has, or plans to include, questions on caregiving in the National Census survey, to get more data on the number and profile of informal caregivers in Singapore in order to better inform the Ministry's caregiver support policies as our population ages and caregiving burdens increase.

Written Answer

The Census of Population provides a broad statistical profile of the population and households in Singapore. In the latest Census conducted in 2020, we collected data on the number of Singapore residents facing difficulties in performing basic activities and information on the living arrangement of elderly residents with difficulty performing at least one basic activity.

Given the broad-based intent of the Census, it may not adequately capture the needs and preferences of caregivers. The Government will thus continue to conduct targeted dialogues with our stakeholders and caregivers to better understand their needs. For example, the Government recently concluded the Conversations on Singapore Women’s Development. These sessions provide insights which help refine our caregiver support policies.