SINGAPORE - They care for a loved one with a disability. Now, these caregivers themselves will get more care.

A new centre to serve their needs will be set up next year. It will form part of a network of support to be developed for caregivers, said Minister for Social and Family Development Tan Chuan-Jin in Parliament on Wednesday (March 8).

This network will enable caregivers to get the information and resources that they need and tap on services such as respite care. About 2,000 caregivers are expected to benefit from this network of support over the next five years.

With their own needs better met, caregivers can care for their loved ones with greater confidence, said Mr Tan.

"The role of a caregiver is physically and emotionally demanding, and they can be at risk of burn-out," he added.

More services is needed for this group of people because elderly parents who are the main caregivers of older adults with disabilities may find it harder to continue to care for their charges. A gap in caregiving can more keenly felt as families become smaller in size.

Voluntary welfare organisations and Family Service Centres in the network will help to link caregivers to support groups that offer emotional support as well as other services such as counselling or specialised training.

The new disability support centre, to be set up by the National Council of Social Service (NCSS), will also provide caregivers with information, planned respite, training as well as links to peer support groups and other relevant agencies for further assistance.

"NCSS will ensure the centre stays open to incorporating new caregiving ideas, innovation and practices," said Mr Tan.