"Unsung Heroes" : caregivers for the elderly in Singapore

One critical challenge Singapore is facing today is providing adequate and quality long-term care for its rapidly ageing population. The state’s stance towards long-term care provision has always emphasised the role of the individual and their family members as key actors in the delivery of care. Although there is a range of supportive care services and accompanying subsidies, family caregivers are still facing a multitude of challenges in fulfilling that role. By drawing on the accounts of 8 family caregivers, this paper seeks to re-evaluate the beliefs and values surrounding eldercare provision, and understand how state policies drive caregiving and care seeking behaviours. This research suggests that 1) families still regard the provision of eldercare as fundamentally their prerogative; and 2) current state policies do not adequately address the contemporary challenges faced by caregivers. The findings also highlighted key areas of need that, if addressed, would make caregiving a better journey. This paper will be of interest to policymakers as findings can be used to implement new or enhance existing policies and programmes to stay abreast of the changing demographics and needs of caregivers and their care recipients.Bachelor of Art