Plans to Increase Take-up Rate of Caregivers Training Grant and Widen Support for Carers Supporting Elderly or Sick Family Members
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Leon Perera’s inquiry into increasing the Caregivers Training Grant (CTG) take-up rate and widening support for caregivers of the elderly, sick, or those with dementia. Minister for Health Mr Ong Ye Kung stated that CTG courses are being enhanced for accessibility, including online options and increased outreach through hospitals, community organisations, and social media. He highlighted the 2019 Caregiver Support Action Plan, which introduced community outreach teams, support networks, and expanded respite care to assist with caregivers’ socio-emotional well-being. The response also noted the Home Caregiving Grant’s $200 monthly payout to defray care costs and a new pilot providing structured support for those newly diagnosed with dementia. Minister for Health Mr Ong Ye Kung emphasised that the government will continually review support systems to ensure they remain relevant for caregivers of frail seniors.
Transcript
17 Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Health what are the Government’s plans to (i) increase the take-up rate of the Caregivers Training Grant and (ii) widen the support available for carers supporting elderly or sick family members and those with dementia.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: The Caregivers Training Grant (CTG) provides subsidies for caregivers to attend approved courses to better care for their loved ones. To strengthen take-up, we have enhanced the courses so that caregiver training remains relevant and accessible. For example, there are more online training programmes during this COVID-19 period. We have also raised awareness through AIC Links, AIC’s website and social media platforms. Hospitals, community care organisations and employment agencies for foreign domestic workers also share about the CTG to their clients and caregivers.
MOH will continually review our support for caregivers of seniors, including frail senior or those with dementia. For example, MOH launched the Caregiver Support Action Plan in 2019. Key initiatives include the launch of four community outreach teams and seven support networks to support caregivers’ socio-emotional well-being, enhanced respite care options and the introduction of the Home Caregiving Grant, which provides a monthly cash pay-out of $200 to eligible care recipients to help defray the costs of community caregiving. Earlier this year, we launched a new pilot to provide caregivers with a structured support system when their loved ones are first diagnosed with dementia.