Caregiver Hiring Checklist
How much does it cost to hire a live in caregiver?
The cost of hiring a live-in caregiver can vary depending on several factors, including the level of care and support that patient required, the qualifications and experience of the caregiver and the origin countries of the caregiver.
In general, the cost of hiring a live-in caregiver in Singapore can range from SGD 600 to SGD 1,200 per month. This can include the cost of room, food and lodging, as well as the salary and benefits of the caregiver. Higher-end care providers may charge more, while more basic services may cost less.
It is also important to note that the cost of hiring a live-in caregiver may vary depending on the level of care and support required. For example, specialised care for individuals with dementia or Parkinson’s disease may cost more than more basic care and support services.
Overall, the cost of hiring a live-in caregiver is very affordable, but it is important to carefully consider your options of caregiver profiles and to compare the costs and benefits of different care providers to find the best caregiver for you or your loved one. Several factors you may wish to consider, such as the qualifications and experience of the caregiver, height and weight of a caregiver, language that the caregiver is able to speak and the level of care and support required, to ensure that you are making an informed decision.
- The employer must be 21 years old and above.
- The employer must be in a reasonable state of mind.
- The employer must be a working adult with an annual income of S$30k and above (for 1 FDW).
- If the employer is retired, they must have the financial means to provide the caregiver’s salary (S$50k saving, for example)
- The employer must attend the Employer Orientation Programme (EOP).
- If the employer is a working adult, but their annual income is less than S$30k or retired but has no S$50k savings, they can still apply under Sponsorship Scheme or Joint Increase Scheme.
- To avoid unnecessary delay in the application process, it is advisable for the employer to have Singpass ready. If you don’t have it, please apply for one here.
- If you need to update your residential address, please visit the ICA website.
- For example, based on a salary agreement of S$650 and 2 days off/month.
- The basic salary is S$650.00, assuming every Sunday is off.
- Both employer and FDW agree on two off days/month, meaning she’ll be working the second and third Sundays. Hence, the employer is expected to top up the salary at the daily rate of 650/26=S$25.
- Therefore, the total salary paid to FDW is S$650+S$25X2=S$700 (if there are 4 Sundays in the month) or S$650+S$25X3=S$725 (if there are 5 Sundays in the month).
- How much and how to pay?
- Check any overdue amount.
- Download Levy GIRO from here.
- The Levy GIRO form must be completed and printed, and the original copy must be emailed.
Insurance (Hong Leong Assurance)
- We encourage employers to use HL Assurance’s Essential Coverage – Enhanced (26 months) – S$ 292.00 net.
- Waiver of Counter Indemnity for Letter of Guarantee to MOM S$ 53.50 net. (Optional)
- Bi-Yearly Medical Check-up (Valid for 1 or 2 years from policy effective date) (Optional)
- 1 Year – S$42.80 net
- 2 Years – S$107.00 net
- Refunds of unused premiums are calculated by HL.
- Direct refund if payment is made with credit.
- Refunds will take longer to process if payment is made in any other.
Other Benefits
- For any GP visit to Healthway Medical’s panel of clinics, the consultation fee is flat at $14.
- The consultation fee is waived for any dental visit to Healthway Medical’s dental clinics.
- The policy schedule received from HL must be presented at the clinic.
- Download the Insurance Application Form from here.
Link to Policy and Panel of Clinics:
https://www.hlas.com.sg/personalinsurance/maidinsurance/
Scenario No. 1 – Deployment
Madam (Mdm) Tan is 83 years old and suffering from Dementia. She stays alone in an HDB 3-room flat. She’s looking to hire a full-time caregiver:
- Mdm Tan does not have the mental capacity to be an employer, so she can’t hire under her name.
- Mdm Tan’s next of kin can hire if they meet the requirement as an employer. But the caregiver they hired is only supposed to work within the registered address. How will she take care of Mdm Tan?
Solution: It is advisable to seek pre-approval from Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for Deployment Arrangement. Draft a letter and send it via email. You may download a copy of the Appeal Letter – Deployment.
For Appeal to MOM:
Telephone: 6438 5122
Email: mom_wpd@mom.gov.sg
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A guide to enhancing your MDW mental well-being: Learn more about stress, how you can help manage your MDW’s stress level, and the channels to seek help from
A well-rested helper can take better care of your family
Issue 45 – Fostering a harmonious working relationship with your helper
Issue 44 – Support your helper’s health and well-being
Issue 43 – Your helper must not be illegally deployed
Issue 42 – Ensure the safety of your helper
Issue 41 – Ensure the security of your helper
Issue 40 – Ensure your helper gets enough rest
Issue 39 – Pay your helper in full and on time
Issue 38 – Do not safe-keep any money belonging to your helper
Issue 37 – Pay your helper’s salary electronically, and encourage her to use e-remittance
Issue 36 – It is illegal to deploy your helper to work for other households or perform non-domestic chores
Issue 35 – Ensure that your helper works only for you
Issue 34 – How well is your helper coping with working and living in Singapore
Our live-in caregivers are overseas professionals who obtained their certificates (Caregiver Certificate/Nursing Aide/Diploma in Nursing/Bachelor of Science in Nursing) in their home country or Singapore Training Institutions.
They are carefully selected and trained by our Professional Nurses (Registered Nurses in Singapore).
The daily tasks of an experienced caregiver include:
- Transferring the patient from bed to wheelchair and vice versa
- Showering the patient (male or female)
- Changing diapers (male or female)
- Monitoring and keeping a record of vital signs (blood pressure/heart-rate/blood glucose level/oxygen level)
- Managing diabetes (including insulin administration)
- Preparing special meals according to the doctor’s order (blended diet/minced diet)
- NGT feeding
- A urinary catheter (draining out urine without causing an infection)
- Bedsore management (frequent turning in bed)
- Daily exercise (limbs exercise/assisted walking exercise)
- Escorting the patient to medical appointments
Other Skills:
- Wound Management (Dressing)
- Stoma Bag Care
- Oxygen Therapy
- Airway Management (Suctioning of Airway/Use of Inhaler)
- PEG Tube Feeding and Care
- Tracheostomy Care
Special Skills:
- Mental Disorder (Depression/Schizophrenia/Autism)
- Dementia/Alzheimer’s Disease
- Down Syndrome
Live-in caregivers are FDWs. Therefore, they stay in the employer’s house and take care of their loved one with medical conditions (bedridden/wheelchair bound/with NGT feeding/change diaper or assisted shower, and more)
It is necessary that they share the same room with the patient so they can provide care 24/7 in the client’s own home. With that said, adequate rest is also important for the caregiver.
The condition of a patient keeps changing. Therefore, after a caregiver starts working in the employer’s house, our trainers will arrange a home visit with the patient to:
- Review the plan of care based on the client’s medical condition.
- Re-assess caregiver’s competency and provide additional training accordingly.
- Receive feedback from the client/client’s family members.
Salary guide for a live-in caregiver:
Level 1: S$600-750/Month
Level 2: S$700-850/Month
Level 3: S$800 – 1300/Month
The salary depends on the individual’s qualifications and experience and the patient’s condition and requirements. At Top Faith, we only provide guidelines for the caregiver’s salary. The final amount will be discussed between them and the employer during the interview.
