Helping hand for caregivers

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A charity has launched the Caregiver Support Network @ Marine Parade programme to help residents looking after loved ones with physical and/or mental disability.

Caregivers bonding over a session of “Baking to Destress” workshop conducted by GentleFoods.

In January 2022, the Marine Parade Community Space Ltd (MPCSL), a registered charity with formal IPC status, officially launched the Caregiver Support Network (CSN) @ Marine Parade programme to support Marine Parade residents who are family caregivers looking after loved ones with physical and/or mental disability.

As of June 2025, CSN @ Marine Parade programme has a membership of 174 caregivers. According to MPCSL, it estimates over 1,000 caregivers in Marine Parade may benefit from CSN @ Marine Parade programme.

Ash Chua, head of CSN, said: “Singapore relies heavily on the care of informal caregivers to care for our residents who requires additional care for day-to-day living because they are ageing, living with health conditions or disabilities, or simply have different needs. These caregivers are often working with little resources and under a lot of financial, emotional, mental and physical strain. CSN wants to be there to walk with caregivers every step of the way.”

Caregivers showing their creativity over a reminiscence therapy session conducted by the National Heritage Board’s HeritageCares.

CSN @ Marine Parade programme has three key pillars for caregivers. Firstly, it provides support through a hotline (6493 7353) that is available to Marine Parade residents from 9am to 6pm from Monday to Friday. Caregivers can call to enquire about schemes, financial aid, programmes and government support available to them. Secondly, there are a range of workshops, courses and activities. These range from certified courses such as first aid for seniors and WSQ courses to activities for respite and emotional support such as support groups and festive celebrations. Said MPCSL, “There are opportunities for caregivers to take respite by attending activities just by themselves, or bond with their care recipient.” For instance, this year CSN partnered with Dementia & Co for Saturday morning tea dances.

The final part of the pillar is the Caregiver Relief Fund, which helps vulnerable caregivers in particular. They have to fit the eligibility criteria which includes being a Singapore citizen or PR staying in Marine Parade; must be caring for a person with a physical/mental disability, special needs, etc; household monthly income per capita of S$2,300 and below, and more.

It offers a one-time S$500 credit, which caregivers can choose to defray expenses for services like transport fees for medical appointments, home respite services, getting a Will done and creating a Lasting Power of Attorney, or purchasing medical necessities such as a walking aid, diapers, nutritional supplement, toileting aid, etc.

Caregivers will be entitled up to 80 percent subsidy from their S$500 credit, and just pay 20 percent out-of-pocket. So how does it work? Say with the S$500 credit and that Will writing costs S$200, then the caregiver pays 20 percent out-of-pocket which amounts to S$40. The remaining amount (S$200 – S$40) of S$160 will be subsidised using the credit. The caregiver will have S$340 (S$500 – S$160) credit left to use. Those who are not eligible for the Caregiver Relief Fund can still benefit from the other pillars of the CSN @ Marine Parade programme.

Come 2026, CSN @ Marine Parade is taking on an additional space of around 161 sqm besides its current location in Marine Terrace. Its Caregiver Clubhouse, which will be underground at Marine Parade MRT, will be open then. It will have a functional public access space that will include a one-stop to learn about caregiving resources, access workshops, and provide space for caregivers to ventilate and take respite.

Source: ageless online
Photo: ageless online
Original Article: https://agelessonline.net/helping-hand-for-caregivers/

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