Outreach to Identify Isolated Informal Caregivers of Senior Citizens
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns proactive outreach to isolated informal caregivers of seniors and whether estate-level touchpoints and a national caregiver registry will be established, raised by Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song. Minister Ong Ye Kung stated that support is currently accessible through Agency for Integrated Care Links, community care organisations, and social service agencies. He announced that caregiver support touchpoints (CSTs) will be introduced from 2027, with initial sites launching next year at five aged care service centres and three enabling services hubs. These CSTs will proactively identify caregivers' needs and connect them to respite services, training, and financial support. Additionally, Minister Ong Ye Kung highlighted broader initiatives like Age Well SG and taskforce recommendations to make community care more accessible and affordable.
Transcript
49 Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what proactive outreach mechanisms exist to identify isolated informal caregivers of senior citizens not connected to healthcare networks; and (b) given that Active Ageing Centres focus primarily on senior care recipients, whether the Ministry will set up dedicated caregiver touchpoints in every estate and establish a centralised national caregiver registry to systematically connect those caring for seniors to support services.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: Our approach for strong caregiver support is to make the support easily accessible for caregivers, through various touchpoints, such as the Agency for Integrated Care Links, community care organisations and social service agencies. From 2027, we will introduce caregiver support touchpoints (CSTs) to further improve access. We welcome other community organisations to complement our work by conducting appropriate outreach to caregivers, to connect them to CSTs.
The first CSTs will be set up at five aged care service centres and three enabling services hubs starting next year. These sites were chosen around places where care recipients are served to make it easier for caregivers to get help. CSTs will proactively identify caregivers' needs, explain the types of support available and connect them to appropriate support, including respite services, training and financial support.
The most important support for caregivers is to strengthen the broader care ecosystem so that caregivers receive help and respite from caring for their loved ones. Through initiatives, such as Age Well SG, and the recommendations of the Taskforce on Assurance for Families with People with Disabilities, we are anchoring care in the community, and making care services more accessible and affordable.