Written Answer to Unanswered Oral Question

Day Activity Centre Clients with Primary Caregivers Aged Above 65

Speakers

Summary

This question concerns the number of Day Activity Centre clients with elderly caregivers and the projected demand for Adult Disability Homes. Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked about capacity adequacy and the support available for families planning transitions to residential care. Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli B M M stated that approximately 500 clients have caregivers aged 65 and above. He highlighted community-based pilots like the Enabled Living Programme to reduce reliance on residential homes, which currently house over 1,000 residents. MSF continues to monitor capacity while providing planning resources through SG Enable, the Enabling Guide, and community networks such as CaringSG.

Transcript

43 Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) how many clients of Day Activity Centre (DAC) have primary caregivers aged 65 or older; (b) what demand projections exist for Adult Disability Homes (ADH) as this caregiver cohort ages; (c) whether ADH capacity is adequate to meet projected demand; and (d) what support is available to families planning the transition to residential care.

Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: About one-third of individuals enrolled in day activity centres, or around 500 individuals, have at least one caregiver aged 65 and above. Our aim is to enable persons with disabilities to live and age in the community for as long as they are able. Thus, we are piloting community-based support services to provide alternatives to residential care, such as the Enabled Living Programme pilot launched in 2025 and the upcoming Home Support Programme pilot. Through the Enabling Skills for Life Programme proof-of-concept, we also aim to support persons with disabilities to access living skills and vocational training and build up skills for independence.

Admission into adult disability homes is considered as a last resort for adults with disabilities who have no alternative accommodation. As of December 2025, over 1,000 persons with disabilities reside in 11 Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF)-funded adult disability homes, most of which operate at utilisation rates of over 80%. MSF continues to monitor and plan ahead with our partners to ensure that we have sufficient capacity to meet projected demand.

More information and support for future care planning can be accessed through SG Enable, including via the Enabling Guide, which serves as a first-stop online resource for information on disability in Singapore. Caregivers may also tap on community support networks, such as CaringSG, and a range of caregiver-led initiatives supported by SG Enable for peer support and practical guidance.