Forum: Beyond subsidies, caregiver well-being is also important
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The article “ Caregivers of more than 14,600 seniors benefited from subsidised respite care in 2025
Yet, as many caregivers will attest, caregiving strain is not only practical or financial in nature. It is also deeply emotional and psychological. Caregivers often experience chronic stress, burnout, guilt and isolation – challenges that cannot be fully alleviated by respite services alone.
Experience from the caregiving sector suggests that caregivers are better supported when respite is complemented by structured attention to their mental and emotional well-being.
Psycho-education can help caregivers better understand stress, boundaries and coping strategies, while peer support reduces isolation by normalising shared struggles. Together, these approaches strengthen their resilience and capacity to sustain care over time.
Beyond day-to-day relief, opportunities for caregivers to step back, reflect and recharge – in safe, supported environments – can also play an important role in preventing burnout. When caregivers are given space to attend to their own well-being, they are better able to continue caring for their loved ones with confidence and compassion.
As Singapore continues to enhance its caregiving ecosystem, caregiver well-being deserves to remain a core consideration alongside service capacity, manpower and subsidies.
There is value in supporting families earlier – helping them strengthen relationships, communication and coping strategies – rather than responding only when stress has reached a breaking point.
Such an approach recognises caregiving as a long-term journey, one that is sustained not just by services, but by resilient relationships and shared understanding.
Supporting caregivers holistically, in this way, contributes quietly but meaningfully to stronger families and a more sustainable care system.
Tim Oei
Chief Executive Officer
Mindfull Community
