Hiring a helper for elderly care in Singapore (2026)

Short answerBe specific with the agency about the care needed: lifting, feeding, medication, dementia. Ask about her caregiving experience and consider training. You may qualify for the concessionary levy of SGD 60 a month, and families caring for someone with moderate to severe disability may get the Home Caregiving Grant of up to SGD 600 a month.

Be clear about the care

MOM suggests asking: does she need the strength to help someone move? Will she give special care to a senior? Write down the daily tasks, including medication times, mobility help and night care. Share this with the agency before they suggest anyone.

Questions for the agency

• What caregiving experience does she have, and for how long?
• Can I see her employment history?
• What languages does she speak? Can she talk with my parent?
• Is training available, and who pays?

Costs and support

• Levy. Households with an elderly member may pay the concessionary rate of SGD 60 instead of SGD 300. Check the levy rules.
• Home Caregiving Grant (AIC). SGD 200 to 600 a month for a Singapore citizen or PR who needs help with at least three of six activities of daily living, with household income per person of SGD 4,800 or less. It can go towards hiring a helper.

After she starts

Tell her the medication schedule and write down doses. Give her emergency numbers. Check in often, especially in the first months.

Sources, checked 14 Oct 2026: MOM, Eight steps to hiring a helper; AIC, Home Caregiving Grant.

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