Caregiver Cost in Singapore: A Comprehensive Guide for Families

With Singapore’s rapidly aging population, the demand for professional caregivers has risen significantly. Whether it’s caring for an elderly parent, someone recovering from surgery, or a loved one living with a chronic illness, engaging a caregiver has become a practical and often necessary solution. However, one of the most common concerns families have is the Caregiver Cost Singapore. Understanding caregiver costs, what influences them, and what financial assistance is available can help families plan better and make informed decisions. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of caregiver options, associated costs, and important considerations when hiring care support.

What is a Caregiver?

A caregiver is a trained individual who provides assistance to someone who is unable to fully care for themselves due to age, illness, disability, or recovery from surgery. Caregivers may support with daily living activities such as bathing, feeding, toileting, medication reminders, mobility assistance, and companionship. In Singapore, caregivers can be local professionals, live-in foreign domestic workers (FDWs), or family members trained for care duties. Some caregivers may also be equipped to handle basic medical tasks under supervision.

Types of Caregivers in Singapore

Understanding the type of caregiver that suits your family’s needs is the first step in budgeting for care.

1. Live-in Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW): Often the most affordable option, FDWs provide round-the-clock care while living in the same household. They may not have formal nursing training but can manage personal care tasks and household chores.

2. Part-time Local Caregiver: Hired on an hourly basis, part-time caregivers are suitable for families needing care during specific times of the day. These caregivers are usually trained in eldercare and can assist with personal hygiene, feeding, mobility, and medication reminders.

3. Full-time Local Professional Caregiver: These caregivers are usually trained and experienced in caring for patients with complex needs. They may not be registered nurses, but they work closely under supervision and provide more comprehensive support.

4. Home Nursing or Skilled Caregiver: This refers to medically trained professionals such as enrolled nurses who provide nursing-level care including wound management, catheter care, and feeding tube support. These services cost more due to the level of medical expertise involved.

Average Caregiver Cost in Singapore

The cost of a caregiver in Singapore varies based on the type of care required, hours of service, level of training, and whether the caregiver is local or foreign.

In addition to salaries, there may be other associated costs such as placement fees, training costs, medical check-ups, levy payments, insurance, and food/lodging (for live-in caregivers).

Breakdown of Costs for Live-in FDW Caregivers

Hiring a foreign domestic worker is a common solution for elderly care. However, beyond the basic salary, families need to consider additional expenses.

1. Monthly Salary: Typically ranges between $600 and $1,000 depending on experience and nationality.

2. Monthly Levy: Standard levy is $300. With levy concession (for families with elderly or disabled members), this can be reduced to $60.

3. Placement and Agency Fees: One-time costs for hiring through agencies can range from $1,000 to $3,000.

4. Medical and Insurance Fees: Employers are required to provide medical insurance (minimum $15,000 coverage) and personal accident insurance (minimum $60,000).

5. Food and Lodging: As live-in workers, families must provide three meals a day, accommodation, and other necessities.

Estimated Total Monthly Cost: $800 – $1,300, including salary, levy, insurance, and daily living costs.

Costs for Part-Time and Hourly Caregivers

For families who do not require full-time care, hiring a part-time caregiver by the hour is a flexible and scalable option.

Weekday Hourly Rates: $20 – $30/hour
Weekend or Night Rates: $25 – $35/hour
Minimum Booking Duration: Usually 2 – 4 hours per session

Care can be scheduled on a regular basis (e.g., daily morning help) or ad hoc when family caregivers are unavailable. Some agencies also offer discounted packages for weekly or monthly arrangements.

Full-Time Professional Caregivers

Hiring a full-time local caregiver is ideal for families needing 24/7 care without going the FDW route. These professionals are trained in personal care, safety supervision, mobility assistance, and basic medical monitoring.

Monthly Cost: $2,500 – $3,500/month
This option is often arranged through home care agencies, with supervision and training provided by healthcare professionals. It is suitable for patients with dementia, stroke, cancer, or mobility impairment.

Home Nursing vs. Caregiving

It’s important to distinguish between home nursing and caregiving. A nurse provides clinical medical services such as injections, wound dressing, catheter care, and post-hospital recovery. In contrast, a caregiver supports daily living activities but does not perform medical procedures unless specifically trained and supervised.

Home Nursing Cost: $80 – $150 per visit
24-Hour Skilled Nurse: $6,000 – $10,000 per month
Families often hire both a caregiver and a nurse for complex cases requiring both daily support and periodic medical attention.

Financial Support Available in Singapore

To ease the financial burden of caregiving, several subsidy schemes and grants are available to Singaporean families.

1. Home Caregiving Grant (HCG)

• $250 monthly payout

• Available to families with loved ones requiring assistance in at least three Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

• Can be used to offset caregiving or service fees

2. FDW Levy Concession

• Reduces monthly levy from $300 to $60

• Applicable for households caring for elderly persons (67 years and older) or persons with disabilities

3. CareShield Life and ElderShield

• Provides monthly cash payouts for individuals who cannot perform at least three ADLs

• Payouts can be used to hire a caregiver or pay for home care services

4. MOH Subsidies via AIC

• Means-tested subsidies for home-based care services including day care, respite care, and caregiver training

• Eligibility assessed through the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC)

5. MediSave for Chronic Disease and Eldercare

• May be used to fund selected care services or treatments for chronic conditions, depending on MOH regulations

Factors That Affect Caregiver Cost

Caregiver pricing is influenced by several key factors:

1. Type of Care Needed: Medical procedures, night care, dementia support, or mobility assistance may cost more due to higher skill requirements.

2. Hours and Frequency: Hourly caregivers are charged based on session duration and frequency of visits. Full-time live-in options offer value for continuous care.

3. Experience and Training: Caregivers with eldercare certification, dementia training, or previous nursing home experience generally command higher rates.

4. Language and Compatibility: Bilingual caregivers or those with experience in local dialects may be priced higher for better communication.

5. Public Holidays and Emergencies: Expect higher fees for holiday or urgent bookings.

Tips for Managing Caregiving Costs

• Combine Informal and Formal Care: Mix professional care with family supervision to reduce overall costs.

• Utilize Subsidies: Apply for grants like HCG or levy concessions to reduce monthly expenses.

• Negotiate Packages: Some agencies offer packages for weekly or long-term care at discounted rates.

• Plan Ahead: Engage caregiving services early rather than waiting for an emergency situation.

• Choose Reputable Providers: Selecting reliable and trained caregivers reduces the risk of poor service or repeated hiring.

Caregiver Services by iKare Home

At iKare Home, we understand that the cost of caregiving can be a concern for many families. That’s why we offer transparent pricing, customized care plans, and help with applying for relevant subsidies. Our trained caregivers are skilled in eldercare, dementia care, personal hygiene, and companionship support. Whether you need part-time assistance, full-time help, or live-in care, we provide professional caregivers matched to your family’s unique needs and budget. We also offer professional home nursing, respite care, and caregiver training for family members looking to manage care responsibilities effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the cheapest option for elderly care in Singapore? Hiring a live-in foreign domestic worker is generally the most affordable full-time care solution, with total costs ranging from $800 to $1,300 per month.

Can I use the Home Caregiving Grant to pay a caregiver? Yes. The HCG provides $250/month which can be used to pay for caregiving services, training, or to offset the cost of hiring a live-in caregiver.

Is there a subsidy for hiring a part-time caregiver? Yes, MOH subsidies through AIC may apply if the caregiver is arranged through an approved home care provider. You must undergo means testing and a care assessment.

How do I decide between a nurse and a caregiver? Choose a nurse for clinical procedures like wound care or injections, and a caregiver for daily tasks like bathing, feeding, and companionship. Many families hire both for different purposes.

Can I get a caregiver on weekends only? Yes. Many providers offer flexible schedules, including weekend-only care or ad hoc visits.

Final Thoughts

Understanding caregiver cost in Singapore helps families make smarter, more sustainable decisions for their loved ones. Whether you need short-term support or long-term assistance, choosing the right caregiver based on your needs, budget, and available subsidies can significantly improve quality of life for both patients and family members. At iKare Home, we’re here to guide you through every step—offering affordable, professional care that makes a real difference.