I raised a Parliamentary Question asking if proactive outreach mechanisms exist to identify isolated informal caregivers of senior citizens who are not connected to healthcare networks. I also asked whether dedicated caregiver touchpoints will be set up in every estate alongside a centralised national caregiver registry.
The Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health explained that caregiver support is accessible through touchpoints like AIC Links and community agencies. Caregiver Support Touchpoints will be introduced from 2027 at five aged care service centres and three Enabling Services Hubs to proactively identify needs and connect caregivers to support.
Expanding physical touchpoints is a positive step forward. Many informal family caregivers face financial stress from medical costs, severe physical and emotional exhaustion, and difficulty balancing care duties with work. We need systematic community outreach and registry mechanisms to ensure every informal caregiver receives timely assistance before experiencing burnout.
This is the full Parliamentary Question and the answer on 7 Oct 2026:
Outreach to Identify Isolated Informal Caregivers of Senior Citizens
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what proactive outreach mechanisms exist to identify isolated informal caregivers of senior citizens not connected to healthcare networks; and (b) given that Active Ageing Centres focus primarily on senior care recipients, whether the Ministry will set up dedicated caregiver touchpoints in every estate and establish a centralised national caregiver registry to systematically connect those caring for seniors to support services.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: Our approach for strong caregiver support is to make the support easily accessible for caregivers, through various touchpoints, such as AIC Links, Community Care Organisations, and Social Service Agencies. From 2027, we will introduce Caregiver Support Touchpoints (CSTs) to further improve access. We welcome other community organisations to complement our work by conducting appropriate outreach to caregivers, to connect them to the CSTs.
The first CSTs will be set up at five aged care service centres and three Enabling Services Hubs starting next year. These sites were chosen around places where care recipients are served to make it easier for caregivers to get help. The CSTs will proactively identify caregivers’ needs, explain the types of support available, and connect them to appropriate support, including respite services, training and financial support.
The most important support for caregivers is to strengthen the broader care ecosystem so that caregivers receive help and respite from caring for their loved ones. Through initiatives such as Age Well SG and the recommendations of the Taskforce on Assurance for Families with People with Disabilities, we are anchoring care in the community, and making care services more accessible and affordable.
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