Singapore’s baby push has a blind spot: Grandparents who need care
Fertility policy cannot focus only on the cost of raising children. It must also ease the practical demands on couples caring for their ageing parents at the same time.
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If Singapore wants more babies, the Government must make eldercare more manageable. Home help, medical escorts, respite and workplace support are fertility policies too, say the writers.
ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG
Eugene Or and Euston Quah
For a Singaporean caring for an ageing parent, the question of having a child may not begin with the Baby Bonus or parental leave. It may begin with tomorrow’s hospital appointment: Who will stay with Mum tonight?
If Singapore wants more babies, the Government must make eldercare more manageable. Home help, medical escorts, respite and workplace support are fertility policies too.