Caregiving can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging. The needs of those being cared for can be extremely diverse – from having mobility to mental health issues. Each of these conditions come with their own sets of terms and conditions of sorts, and caregivers are often expected to become a healthcare professional overnight.
In a first-of-its-kind survey in Singapore, it was found that a majority of caregivers for mental health patients felt tired and exhausted. Almost 9 in 10 of those surveyed also underscored a need for specialised training to help them cope.
If you find yourself in the situation of having to care for an elderly or disabled family member, there’s some good news in the form of a caregiver training grant. Here’s what you need to know.
What is the Caregivers Training Grant (CTG)?
The Caregivers Training Grant (CTG)* provides a $200 subsidy each year for caregivers to attend approved courses to help them care better for their loved ones. Provided by the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), it can be applied to a direct family member, a foreign domestic worker (FDW), or even someone who is appointed to care for a patient.
While it is not completely free, the co-payment sum of $16 is relatively affordable for most Singaporeans. The subsidy can also be shared among multiple caregivers, so it is also helpful for siblings who are caring for their aging parents, too. Caregivers who wish to tap on this fund must select an approved caregiver training provider.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the CTG, the care recipient must be a Singaporean or Permanent Resident (PR). He or she must also be aged 65 years old or older, or have undergone a positive disability assessment.
Each appointed caregiver must complete the entire training course and receive a certificate of attendance.
How to Apply
Applying for the CTG is rather straightforward. Simply pick an AIC-approved caregiver training provider such as Jaga-Me and register your interest with the trainer at least two weeks prior to course commencement. The training provider will be able to check your eligibility to tap into the grant and complete the paperwork and application details for you.
To acquire the disability report, you can visit the doctor or care provider in Singapore to complete the Functional Assessment Report (FAR) or get a doctor’s memo.
Receive Caregiver Training with Jaga-Me
As a professional home caregiver service provider with many years of experience, we are able to equip you or your domestic helper with the skills and knowledge to be an effective caregiver for your loved one. Our trained and professional nurses will guide you on the basics of caregiving, navigating the activities of daily living, and tube feeding. Each training course runs for 3 hours, and can be conducted in English, Chinese or Malay. Furthermore, you can attend each session at the comfort of your home.
Apart from just learning the how-tos, you will also undergo a comprehensive training process, which includes:
- Initial assessment of patient through teleconsult
- Customised training catered to the needs of the patient
- Pre-training videos for caregivers with subtitles in Burmese/Bahasa Indonesia
- Escalation of care to medical or nursing procedures (charges apply)
- Post-training teleconsult support for two weeks
Since the global pandemic, caregiver stress has exacerbated tremendously. A study of patients, caregivers and healthcare workers revealed that the highest level of anxiety lies within the caregivers. One of the ways to reduce caregiver stress is by being well-prepared for difficult situations. At Jaga-Me, we are committed to helping you navigate the challenges of caregiving.
Learn more about our caregiver training course and book an appointment with us to apply for the grant today. Alternatively, you may check out our other services such as elderly home care services in Singapore.
*CTG grant and amount (up to $200) is subject to approval by AIC and remaining subsidy balance of the care recipient. The course fee before subsidy is $216 inclusive of GST.
