Preparations to Train and Build Up Pool of Informal Caregivers Given Anticipated Demand as Population Ages
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Ms Carrie Tan’s inquiry regarding projected increases in informal caregivers and government measures to build care worker capacity to alleviate the burden on family members. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung noted that one in four Singaporeans will be aged 65 or older by 2030 and cited that 119,000 residents remained outside the labour force in 2020 due to family care duties. To support these needs, the Ministry of Health is reviewing the Home Caregiving Grant and has added 4,600 day care and 3,100 home care places since 2015. The Government is also piloting new respite care options while supporting provider recruitment and salary enhancements through the Agency for Integrated Care. Finally, providers can access training grants and sponsorships to build the capability of care workers to ensure sufficient, qualified manpower for the ageing population.
Transcript
38 Ms Carrie Tan asked 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.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: Based on MOM'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.
Our population’s care needs will increase as we age, with one in four 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.
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, 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.