Recruiting and Training Migrant Domestic Workers for Dementia Care and Establishing Dedicated 24-hour Outreach Centre

Ms Joan Pereira asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health whether the Ministry of Health will consider working with the Ministry of Manpower to set up a scheme to recruit and train Migrant Domestic Workers who specialise in dementia care and set up a 24-hour outreach centre to support their work.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs) play an important role in supporting many families care for persons living with dementia. We help caregivers, including MDWs, acquire the skills and knowledge they need to provide appropriate care.

Families or caregivers of persons living with dementia may apply for the Caregivers Training Grant (CTG) or use SkillsFuture Credits to attend training specific in dementia care. MDWs who are the main caregivers of eligible care recipients may also use the CTG for such training.

Caregivers can also tap on home and community care services, as well as dementia helpline and online resources, for advice and support in caring for dementia patients at home. We will continue to review whether these services adequately meet caregivers' needs, including the availability of timely support when they encounter difficulties.