To better help families with caregiving needs amid shrinking family sizes, MOH will stretch a pilot scheme that enables caregivers to help many seniors with normal activities and cultural programmes in shared premises.
This program, introduced more than a year ago, provides participating companies with work go flexibilities, including more foreign worker quota and the option to rent from more countries.
Next Minister for Health Masagos Zulkifli said that since the start of the Shared Stay-in Senior Care Services Sandbox, more than 200 elders have enrolled in , the company.
” The company has been well received by people, who play a vital role in the caregiving journey by partnering services in making parenting choices for their loved ones”, he said.
MOH will expand the work go flexibilities to new businesses intending to provide such services, and curious companies can use from the second quarter of 2025.  ,
Mr Masagos said that the service will not be licensed, as it provides caregiving support similar to how family members would care for their loved ones at home.
CARESHIELD LIFE REVIEW
The CareShield Life scheme will undergo its first review, with recommendations set to be released in the second half of this year.
Launched in 2020, CareShield Life is a national long-term care insurance scheme designed to provide financial assistance for individuals with severe disabilities.
” The scheme has not been reviewed since it was first launched in 2020. Long-term care costs have since risen, and we need to ensure that the payouts continue to provide meaningful support”, said Mr Masagos.
MOH said it has asked the CareShield Life Council to review the scheme to ensure it remains effective.
” In the longer term, CareShield Life will play a larger role in ensuring long-term care affordability as more seniors will have insurance coverage”, the ministry said.
The scheme is mandatory for Singapore citizens and permanent residents born in 1980 and later, while older cohorts have the option to enrol.
Policyholders with severe disabilities – defined as the inability to perform at least three out of six daily living activities, such as washing, feeding or dressing – receive monthly cash payouts.