Navigating the caregiving landscape in Singapore requires a clear understanding of the costs involved, which vary significantly based on the type, intensity, and duration of care. Whether you are looking for a few hours of assistance a week or round-the-clock supervision, your total expenditure can be heavily impacted by government subsidies and your choice of caregiver.
Part-time hourly caregiver rates
For families needing assistance for just a few hours a day or on specific days, hiring a part-time caregiver is a flexible and potentially cost-effective option. Reputable agencies typically offer trained care professionals, and costs are calculated on an hourly basis.
- Basic Personal Care: Services like showering, grooming, toileting, and mobility assistance generally start from S$20 to S$30 per hour. Providers such as Homage offer rates starting from S$21 per hour.
- Advanced Medical Care: For more complex needs, including home nursing procedures such as wound dressing or injections, hourly rates are higher, often ranging from S$25 to S$50. The specific procedures and professional qualifications (e.g., registered nurse vs. nursing aide) will influence the final cost.
- Care Packages: Some agencies offer packages for multiple sessions, which can lead to discounts. For example, Homage offers up to a 20% saving for long-hour care packages.
Cost of a live-in caregiver
For 24/7 care, a live-in caregiver, often a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) with caregiver experience, is typically more affordable than arranging a full-time schedule of part-time caregivers. This arrangement includes a monthly salary plus other associated costs.
- Monthly Salary: Salaries for a live-in caregiver can range from S$600 to over S$1,000, depending on their experience and qualifications.
- FDW Levy: Employers must pay a monthly levy to the government. For households caring for an elderly person (67 years or older) or a person with disabilities, a concessionary rate of S$60 applies, significantly lower than the standard rate.
- Agency Fees: Upfront, one-time agency fees can range from S$1,000 to S$2,500 for placement services, which cover work permit applications and medical check-ups.
- Other Costs: Remember to budget for the caregiver's living expenses, such as food and accommodation, which are typically estimated at around S$200 to S$300 per month.
Subsidies and grants to lower costs
The Singaporean government offers several grants and subsidies to help offset caregiving expenses for eligible citizens. It is crucial to check the latest eligibility criteria and application processes through the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC).
Financial assistance schemes:
- Home Caregiving Grant (HCG): This provides a monthly cash payout of S$250 or S$400 for eligible families to help with caregiving costs, with enhanced payouts of up to S$600 announced to take effect from April 2026.
- FDW Levy Concession: As mentioned, this reduces the monthly levy to S$60 for eligible households.
- Caregivers Training Grant (CTG): This offers a S$200 annual subsidy for caregivers to attend approved training courses.
Comparison of caregiver options
| Feature | Part-Time/Hourly Caregiver (Local) | Live-in Caregiver (Foreign Domestic Worker) |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Flexible, can be arranged for specific hours or sessions. | Round-the-clock, live-in support. |
| Approximate Cost (Before Subsidies) | ~S$20–S$30+ per hour for basic care; ~S$25–S$50+ per hour for medical care. | ~S$660–S$1,060+ per month (salary + concessionary levy) + one-time agency fees. |
| Best For | Seniors with low-to-moderate needs or for short-term/respite care. | Seniors requiring continuous supervision and assistance with daily living activities. |
| Key Advantage | High flexibility; pay only for the hours you need. Can access professional, local caregivers. | Cost-effective for 24/7 care; consistent, one-on-one attention. |
| Key Disadvantage | Costs can escalate quickly if many hours are required; may need multiple caregivers. | Involves additional responsibility for accommodation and living expenses. |
| Goverment Support | HCG, CTG, and subsidies for home medical services may apply. | HCG, FDW Levy Concession, and CTG may apply. |
Factors that influence caregiver costs
Several variables can cause caregiver costs to fluctuate. You can manage your budget effectively by considering these factors before making a decision.
- Level of Care Required: The amount of assistance needed dramatically impacts cost. A caregiver providing basic companionship or help with housekeeping will cost less than one assisting with mobility, feeding, and medical needs.
- Caregiver Experience and Qualification: Caregivers with specialized training, such as those with nursing or therapy qualifications, typically command higher rates than those with basic training.
- Schedule and Timing: Hourly rates for part-time caregivers can increase for after-hours, weekend, or public holiday shifts due to surcharges.
- Agency vs. Direct Hire: While hiring an FDW directly may seem cheaper by avoiding some agency fees, agencies provide valuable services like matching, paperwork, and replacement options.
- Location: While less of a factor for live-in care, hourly rates may vary slightly depending on the provider and the client's location.
Conclusion
Understanding how much does it cost to hire a caregiver in Singapore involves evaluating the care recipient's specific needs and exploring the various care models available, including part-time hourly arrangements and full-time live-in FDWs. While headline prices can appear high, a wide range of government subsidies and grants exist to make quality care more affordable for eligible households. By considering your budget, the level of care required, and potential government support, you can make an informed decision that best suits your family's circumstances. Always ensure you check the latest scheme details and eligibility criteria with official sources like the Agency for Integrated Care.
For more detailed information on financial assistance schemes, you can visit the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) website.
