SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS OF PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA

NOTICE PAPER NO. 258

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 4 NOVEMBER 2025

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Dr Charlene Chen

MP for Tampines GRC

Question No. 817

To ask the Minister for Social and Family Development in light of a recent survey findings that caregivers of persons with dementia spend on average over 200 hours and $2,000 monthly on care after subsidies (a) whether existing assistance adequately offsets the financial and psychological strain on the caregivers; (b) whether subsidies and allowance for dementia care will be reviewed; and (c) how pathways to access support can be improved.

Answer

1        Mr Speaker, an ageing population will drive up national healthcare expenses significantly. We have to ensure that Government healthcare expenditure remains sustainable. The Government recognises the challenges that caregivers face and provides a range of support to help them, including those caring for persons living with dementia.

2        This is why the Government is enhancing long-term care subsidies including for Dementia Day Care and grants like the Home Caregiving Grant in 2026.

3        To support the mental well-being of caregivers and equip them with coping skills, the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) connects caregivers to relevant services such as the Caregiver Support Network Community Outreach Teams (CREST-CSN) and Post-Diagnostic Support Community Outreach Teams (CREST-PDS). Caregivers can approach AIC Link offices, which are located nationwide, call the AIC hotline, or use the digital Care Services Recommender to access these services, which are provided free of charge.

4        The Government will continue to look into how we can further strengthen support for caregivers of persons living with dementia.