Breakdown on Full-time Family Care-givers and Their Care Recipients

Assoc Prof Walter Theseira asked the Minister for Health (a) what is the current number of full-time family care-givers for persons aged above 65; (b) what is the number of persons aged above 65 who are supported by at least one full-time family care-giver; and (c) what is the breakdown of full-time family care-givers where the care recipients are their parent, aunt/uncle, sibling, or spouse.

Mr Gan Kim Yong: Based on extrapolated data from the Retirement and Health Study 1 conducted in 2014, we estimate that there are currently about 110,000 to 120,000 family members or friends caring for persons aged 65 and above 2 . The number of care recipients aged 65 years and above who are cared for by a family member or a friend is estimated to be about 85,000 to 90,000.

Of these care recipients, it is estimated that around 60% are cared for by their children, 35% by their spouses, 10% by their grandchildren, 5% by their siblings and 10% by other relatives 3 . RHS does not record whether the care-givers are providing full-time or part-time care.

Note(s) to Question No(s) :

1 The breakdown of care-givers in the RHS is not complete as the RHS only covers respondents aged 45 and above.

2 Care recipients are defined as those who have difficulties doing some activities (require assistance in Activities of Daily Living or Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) and require assistance over the last 12 months.

3 Care recipients split by relationship will not add up to 100% as each recipient may have multiple care-givers.