1 SG Enable will set up a Caregivers' Space at the Enabling Village by the end of 2018, to serve as a meeting place for peer support groups, training of caregivers of persons with disabilities, and engagement sessions by Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs) as well as community partners for caregivers. Caregivers will also be able to get information and advisory service at Enabling Village.
2 This is part of our ongoing effort to develop and enhance the network of support for caregivers of persons with disabilities. To facilitate this network, SG Enable will work with stakeholders in the social and healthcare sectors, public sector agencies and community partners in a number of ways
- First, it will engage stakeholders to equip caregivers with information and advice on caregiver support services and self-care skills. SG Enable will also enhance its disability information and referral service, commencing with an enhancement to the website providing information on disability schemes and services, to enable caregivers to better identify and access the social support needed by their care recipients.
- Second, it will work with VWOs to improve caregivers' support in services and during transition stages of their dependants' lives, where caregivers may face higher anxiety.
- Third, it will also work with VWOs to build peer support groups, which will enable caregivers to benefit from the experience and support of other caregivers.
3 The network of support will enable better access to information and resources, support services and capability building for up to 2,000 caregivers over the next five years, to help them perform their role with greater confidence. SG Enable today supports caregivers in their care role by delivering various social services to persons with disabilities. These include employment facilitation, access to transportation and assistive technology support as well as information and referral to disability services.
4 More details on the Caregivers' Space will be provided at a later date.
ANNEX A FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Why is there a need for more support for caregivers of persons with disabilities? How are the upcoming plans different from the existing support in the disability sector?
The role of a caregiver can be challenging. Without support, caregivers may face burnout from the multiple stresses, such as physical, psychological, financial, that come with caregiving. SG Enable will work with organisations providing caregiver support services in the disability sector to enhance support for caregivers of persons with disabilities.
2. Besides SG Enable, what are some other agencies involved in the Government's/ MSF's initiative to enhance support for caregivers of persons with disabilities?
Besides SG Enable, the Special Needs Trust Company (SNTC) and VWOs providing disability services will be part of the caregiver network of support.
3. What is the role of SNTC in supporting caregivers?
SNTC will be increasing its outreach efforts to equip caregivers with knowledge in care and financial planning for themselves and their dependents with disabilities.
4. How does SG Enable see itself working with VWOs, community partners, etc.?
SG Enable will work with existing caregiver support services to share knowledge on and promote the adoption of innovative approaches to caregiving, to better help caregivers take care of their well-being and care for their loved ones.