In this year’s General Election, it’s heartening to see that caregiving is getting more attention than before – and rightfully so. As someone who has walked the caregiving journey, I’ve come to understand just how deeply it shapes our lives: the early morning appointments, managing medication routines, coordinating home-based therapies – all while balancing work and family life. These responsibilities may not always be visible, but they are certainly impactful.
This GE, we’re starting to see more conversations around support for caregivers. That’s encouraging, and it shows that caregiving is becoming a recognised part of national discourse. As we evaluate the manifestos, my hope is to zoom in on one key area: how assistance is structured, particularly whether means-testing and ADL (Activities of Daily Living) criteria are still relevant for today’s caregiving landscape.
Many caregivers begin their journey long before their loved ones become physically dependent. Chronic illnesses, early-stage dementia, cancer recovery – these situations often require intensive support even though they don’t meet conventional support thresholds. (Example we hear on the ground in SG Assist: going for medical appointment, set up medical compliance processes, influencing lifestyle changes that would help to improve health outcomes – all seemly unimportant compared to a care recipient without ADL needs, it essentially reduces the chances of the care recipients getting worsen or need ADL support)
As we approach Polling Day, I’m curious to hear more: What does meaningful caregiver support look like to you? And how can we ensure our policies reflect the realities that caregivers face?
Let’s take a look at how the different parties are framing their support for caregivers — and how it stacks up globally.
What Each Party is Proposing for Caregivers
People’s Action Party (PAP)
- Plans to raise the Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) from $400 to $600/month by April 2026.
- Income ceiling will be raised from $3,600 to $4,800 per capita.
- No major shifts in qualifying criteria – still tied to ADL needs and means-testing.
Workers’ Party (WP)
- Proposes tiered payments for caregivers who reduce work or quit to provide care.
- Wants to expand support to include those helping with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs).
- Recommends expanding respite care subsidies to all caregivers.
- Suggests paid return-to-work programmes and tax relief for inclusive employers.
Progress Singapore Party (PSP)
- Proposes raising the HCG significantly to $1,250/month.
- Introduces 20% wage support for employers hiring flexi-time staff with caregiving duties.
Source: The Heart Truths – GE2025 Manifesto Comparison, We, The Citizens – Manifesto Tracker
How Do We Compare Globally?
How Do We Compare Globally?
Let’s look at what other high-income nations are offering:
Ireland:
- Carer’s Allowance: S$1,540–S$2,650/month
- Carer’s Benefit: S$1,550–S$2,320/month (up to 2 years)
- Respite Care Grant: S$2,965/year
Norway:
- Assistance allowance: S$1,170–S$10,105/month
- Paid personal assistants for home-based care and respite
Switzerland:
- Helplessness allowance: S$800–S$3,855/month
- Paid caregiver leave: 10 days (family), 14 weeks (children)
Even with the enhancements proposed, our support systems remain modest – especially when we consider how caregiving strains the middle-income group, who often fall through the cracks of means-testing.
Source: The Heart Truths – GE2025 Manifesto Comparison
What Should We Be Asking This GE?
What Should We Be Asking This GE?
- Are we recognising the real costs of caregiving – not just financially, but emotionally and professionally?
- Why are caregivers still evaluated by ADLs (activities of daily living) alone, when many conditions like dementia, cancer, or mental illness require daily support long before physical dependency sets in?
- Shouldn’t support come before a loved one is fully dependent – to reduce burnout, avoid crisis care, and support dignity in ageing?
As someone who has had to weigh care decisions with limited options, I believe we can do better. Other countries already are. Singapore can lead in care, not lag behind.
Closing Thoughts
To every policymaker reading this: caregiving is not a side issue. It’s a national one.
To every voter: this GE is more than a decision on jobs or housing. It’s a chance to decide what kind of society we want – one that truly sees its caregivers.
Caregiving is work. Let’s treat it that way.
This article was written by Adrian Tan and originally posted on LinkedIn on April 24, 2025.
