Forum: Caregiver support must reflect changing realities

As Singapore becomes a super-aged society in 2026, more attention must be paid to those providing care. While the average caregiver is around 62 years old, it was reported that the proportion of informal caregivers aged 67 and above increased between 2019 and 2024 (Seniors caring for seniors: What caregiving looks like in a super-aged society, May 20).

Demographic shifts, including later parenthood and smaller families, mean more young adults are caring for their parents while studying or starting their careers.

Caregivers today are increasingly diverse. Older caregivers may face their own health issues, middle-aged caregivers often juggle work and family responsibilities, and younger adults may support relatives with chronic illnesses, disabilities, special needs or mental health conditions while navigating adulthood.

As Singapore advances its efforts to care for older persons and vulnerable populations, the care ecosystem must recognise that caregiving often begins before care recipients meet the eligibility thresholds for more substantial financial and caregiving support.

This is particularly relevant during the early stages of chronic illness, dementia or functional decline, when family caregivers often provide support despite the absence of formal diagnoses or eligibility for assistance.

Current caregiver support schemes provide valuable assistance, but eligibility is often tied to the age or disability status of the care recipient. For example, the Caregivers Training Grant eligibility is based on the care recipient’s age or disability. The Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund supports individuals above age 60 with mobility and care needs.

While these schemes provide important support to caregivers, much of the support is geared towards training, equipment and care-related expenses.

Given the increasing diversity of caregivers, support systems should adopt a more family-centred approach that considers caregiver needs. Support could be expanded to address caregivers’ mental health, financial resilience and ability to remain employed.

Seng Ann Sim