Budget 2026 debate: Cai Yinzhou on recognising caregiving and empowering seniors
Behind every fiscal surplus is an “invisible surplus” provided by Singapore’s caregivers, said MP Cai Yinzhou. He cited a 2024 study which revealed that informal caregiving for seniors aged 75 and above was worth S$1.28 billion annually - equivalent to 11 per cent of total government expenditure on healthcare, which is second after defence. Mr Cai called for the funding of paid parent or elder caregiving leave and subsidising of upskilling for foreign domestic workers in geriatric and palliative care. To empower Singapore’s growing ageing population, he proposed a “senior-led tier” within the SG Partnerships Fund to offer higher funding for ground-up projects led by those above 60. He spoke in parliament on Thursday (Feb 26).
Behind every fiscal surplus is an “invisible surplus” provided by Singapore’s caregivers, said MP Cai Yinzhou. He cited a 2024 study which revealed that informal caregiving for seniors aged 75 and above was worth S$1.28 billion annually - equivalent to 11 per cent of total government expenditure on healthcare, which is second after defence. Mr Cai called for the funding of paid parent or elder caregiving leave and subsidising of upskilling for foreign domestic workers in geriatric and palliative care. To empower Singapore’s growing ageing population, he proposed a “senior-led tier” within the SG Partnerships Fund to offer higher funding for ground-up projects led by those above 60. He spoke in parliament on Thursday (Feb 26).
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