Preparations to Train and Build Up Pool of Informal Caregivers Given Anticipated Demand as Population Ages

NOTICE PAPER NO. 733
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 4 OCTOBER 2021

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

Question No. 1846

To ask the Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry has any projections for the anticipated increase in informal caregivers needed over the next 10 to 20 years as the population ages; (b) if so, what are the projected figures; and (c) how is the Government intending to build up the capacity and capability of care workers to relieve the elderly care load on women and men who are currently having to give up their jobs to care for their ageing parents.

Answer

       Based on the Ministry of Manpower's 2020 Labour Force Survey, about 119,000 residents outside of the labour force cited care for family members or childcare as the main reasons for not working.  

2.    Our population’s care needs will increase as we age, with 1 in 4 Singaporeans aged 65 and above by 2030. Caregiving arrangements vary depending on each family’s circumstances. Some hire help, but some prefer to look after their aged loved ones themselves. We will support the different caregiving needs through increasing and strengthening care services, including respite care services, and enhancing support for caregivers. For example, MOH is reviewing the Home Caregiving Grant to provide more help for targeted groups.

3    Since 2015, we have added 4,600 day care places and 3,100 home care places. We are also piloting new respite care options in addition to existing ones at eldercare centres and nursing homes. To ensure sufficient and qualified manpower for these services, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) help providers through schemes to support local recruitment, branding of the sector and salary enhancements. Providers can also tap on training grants and sponsorships to build capabilities.