TAKE-UP RATE AND SUFFICIENCY OF CAREGIVING RESPITE SERVICES

NOTICE PAPER NO. 370
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 14 JANUARY 2026

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Hazlina Abdul Halim
MP for East Coast GRC

Question No. 1168
To ask the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what is the average take-up rate of caregiving respite services; (b) whether there are sufficient services being offered to meet the demand from caregivers seeking help to cope with burnout; and (c) what plans does the Ministry have to enhance the quality of and expand these services to meet the varying needs of seniors, disabled individuals and those with special needs.

Answer

1        Sir, respite care services tap on the capacity of existing care services for seniors, Persons with Disabilities and Children with Developmental Needs. Providers are generally able to meet the demand for respite care, with the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) and SG Enable working with providers to prioritise clients with urgent care needs, including cases with caregivers seeking help to cope with burnout.

2        In 2025, caregivers of over 14,600 seniors and over 3,600 Persons with Disabilities and Children with Developmental Needs utilised subsidised respite care services.

3        We will continue to review our respite care services to ensure they meet the needs of clients and their caregivers. For instance, we will enhance the Home Personal Care service later this year to offer longer service hours and after-hours care, including for respite care. The Take-a-Break home-based respite programme for Persons with Disabilities and Children with Developmental Needs is also currently being reviewed.