Caregiving isn’t just about those who provide direct care – it’s something that touches families, workplaces and society as a whole. I vividly recall helping to care for my grandmother during her recovery from a fall last year; it was a whirlwind of driving her to doctor’s appointments, physiotherapy sessions and shopping for bed rails while trying to keep up with my work responsibilities. It took a great deal of patience and open communication, not just with her but also with the rest of the family.
Whether you’re looking after an ageing parent, supporting a friend who is a caregiver or simply preparing for the future, understanding the realities of caregiving is essential.
With longer life expectancies and an ageing population, the need for caregiving is growing in Singapore. Many take on this role unexpectedly, juggling work, family and financial commitments while managing the emotional and physical demands of caring for a loved one. Even if you’re not a caregiver today, knowing what they go through enables you to offer meaningful support to someone who is. And should the day come when you need to step up, being informed can make all the difference.
The two sides of caregiving for a loved one
Providing care for a loved one can be incredibly rewarding, as I personally found. In a child-to-parent or grandparent care scenario, for instance, it can create a sense of giving back to someone who looked after you when you were young. Caring for a family member can also foster a closer bond between the caregiver and care recipient.
Caregiving also comes with challenges – from financial strain to emotional burnout. The more we understand these struggles, the better we can prepare, whether by putting support systems in place, discussing care plans with loved ones, or simply offering a helping hand to those who need it.
How much do you know about caregiving?
Take this quiz to find out. And remember, whether it’s financial aid or emotional support, help for caregivers is out there – you just need to know where to look.
Caring for a loved one is a journey with its own challenges and rewards. How prepared are you? Whether you’re already a caregiver or just want to be more informed, this quiz will test your knowledge – and help you pick up useful tips along the way.
Dementia is a common reason for long-term care needs. What’s the most prevalent form of dementia?
Answer: A
Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common type of dementia, contributing to 60% to 70% of cases.* It impairs memory, thinking and behaviour over time, but early intervention can help manage symptoms. It’s also good to understand the differences between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
*Source: World Health Organization, “Dementia”, accessed on 28 February 2025.
Answer: A
Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common type of dementia, contributing to 60% to 70% of cases.* It impairs memory, thinking and behaviour over time, but early intervention can help manage symptoms. It’s also good to understand the differences between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
*Source: World Health Organization, “Dementia”, accessed on 28 February 2025.
What percentage of caregivers in Singapore are women? Take a guess!
Answer: B
According to a study, women are at least four times as likely as men to be responsible for managing housework and caregiving duties.* This poses short- and long-term economic challenges as they may have to work fewer hours or stop work for several years to care for their loved one, resulting in less income for immediate personal and family needs, and reduced retirement savings.
*Source: MSF
Answer: B
According to a study, women are at least four times as likely as men to be responsible for managing housework and caregiving duties.* This poses short- and long-term economic challenges as they may have to work fewer hours or stop work for several years to care for their loved one, resulting in less income for immediate personal and family needs, and reduced retirement savings.
*Source: MSF
If you need caregiving support in Singapore, who should you turn to?
Answer: D
If you’re caring for someone with long-term care needs, you don’t have to do it alone. These are just some of the organisations that can help lighten the journey by offering everything from financial aid to emotional support. If your loved one is a Singlife CareShield Standard / Plus or Singlife Dementia Cover policyholder, both of you get access to a one-stop health services hub that makes it easy to find support for long-term care, preventative care and more.
Answer: D
If you’re caring for someone with long-term care needs, you don’t have to do it alone. These are just some of the organisations that can help lighten the journey by offering everything from financial aid to emotional support. If your loved one is a Singlife CareShield Standard / Plus or Singlife Dementia Cover policyholder, both of you get access to a one-stop health services hub that makes it easy to find support for long-term care, preventative care and more.
How much time do caregivers in Singapore typically spend providing care each week?
Answer: C
A Duke-NUS Medical School study found that caregivers provided on average 33 hours of care each week, helping seniors aged 75 and above communicate with others, managing their needs and providing emotional support.* Caregiving for a loved one can be especially meaningful and at the same time physically and emotionally burdening. This is why it’s important to practise self-care as a family caregiver.
*Source: The Straits Times ©Singapore Press Holdings Limited, “Annual informal caregiving hours for seniors valued at $1.28 billion: Duke-NUS study”, 6 September 2024.
Answer: C
A Duke-NUS Medical School study found that caregivers provided on average 33 hours of care each week, helping seniors aged 75 and above communicate with others, managing their needs and providing emotional support.* Caregiving for a loved one can be especially meaningful and at the same time physically and emotionally burdening. This is why it’s important to practise self-care as a family caregiver.
*Source: The Straits Times ©Singapore Press Holdings Limited, “Annual informal caregiving hours for seniors valued at $1.28 billion: Duke-NUS study”, 6 September 2024.
Which of the following statements best describes the role of secondary informal caregivers in Singapore?
Answer: B
In Singapore, primary informal caregivers are usually family members – most commonly adult children or spouses – who provide the bulk of care for older adults, including help with daily tasks, emotional support, and coordination of services.
Secondary informal caregivers are typically other relatives or friends who assist occasionally. Their involvement helps reduce the caregiving hours required from the primary caregiver and can delay the need for institutional care.
This group is distinct from migrant domestic workers (MDWs), who are paid, live-in employees often hired specifically to assist with physical caregiving tasks such as help with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental ADLs.
Source: Duke-NUS Medical School, “Informal caregiving time and its monetary value in the context of older adults in Singapore”, accessed on 25 March 2025.
Answer: B
In Singapore, primary informal caregivers are usually family members – most commonly adult children or spouses – who provide the bulk of care for older adults, including help with daily tasks, emotional support, and coordination of services.
Secondary informal caregivers are typically other relatives or friends who assist occasionally. Their involvement helps reduce the caregiving hours required from the primary caregiver and can delay the need for institutional care.
This group is distinct from migrant domestic workers (MDWs), who are paid, live-in employees often hired specifically to assist with physical caregiving tasks such as help with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental ADLs.
Source: Duke-NUS Medical School, “Informal caregiving time and its monetary value in the context of older adults in Singapore”, accessed on 25 March 2025.
