Caregiving for Dementia Costs S$24,000 Annually, Study Finds

Caring for individuals with dementia incurs an annual cost of approximately S$24,000 (US$18,490) even after government subsidies, according to a recent study released on October 14, 2023. The survey, commissioned by social service agency Dementia Singapore and conducted by research firm Pureprofile, reveals that nearly 89% of caregivers believe additional support is necessary to alleviate the financial burden associated with dementia care.

The study highlights that while existing government programs have successfully reduced the costs of dementia care by about 36%, caregivers still face substantial expenses. Jason Foo, CEO of Dementia Singapore, emphasized the importance of addressing financial strains, stating, “Whenever there is financial burden, it just makes the caregiving so much more difficult.” He expressed hope that the survey results would initiate a broader dialogue on the support needed for caregivers.

Survey Insights and Caregiver Experience

The study surveyed 260 caregivers of individuals with dementia between May 27 and August 3, 2023. This sample is representative of active caregivers, with approximately 68% identified as primary caregivers and 32% as secondary caregivers. Findings indicated that government subsidies provide a “meaningful cushion,” reducing average monthly care costs by nearly S$1,150. Nonetheless, caregivers still bear a median monthly expense of S$2,020.

Costs escalate significantly with the severity of dementia. Those caring for individuals with severe dementia reported median monthly expenses of S$4,081.30 before subsidies. Interestingly, 46% of caregivers noted that government support is primarily targeted at those managing the most challenging cases.

Understanding Financial Burdens

The study examined both direct and indirect costs associated with caregiving. Direct costs encompass out-of-pocket expenses such as medical bills, transport, and professional caregiving services. Indirect costs reflect unpaid caregiving hours, including time spent on supervision and household support.

Dr. Philip Yap, Chairman of Dementia Singapore, noted that many individuals with dementia also face other health issues, which compounds caregiving costs. “The cost is also significant,” he stated, underscoring the need to consider these additional medical expenses in total caregiving costs.

Out-of-pocket medical expenses emerged as the most frequent direct costs, with 80% of caregivers reporting such expenditures. Transport costs ranked second, affecting around 73% of caregivers. The study found that expenses rise sharply with the severity of dementia, climbing from 34% at the mild stage to 82% at the severe stage.

The financial impact isn’t limited to medical expenses. Caregivers reported a median monthly direct cost of nearly S$1,300 before subsidies, with income loss due to caregiving responsibilities estimated at around S$2,000 monthly. After accounting for subsidies, median direct costs plummeted from S$1,290 to S$447.50.

The Hidden Costs of Caregiving

The study also revealed that caregivers dedicate substantial time to their responsibilities, averaging about nine days per month on dementia care. Those caring for individuals with young-onset dementia, diagnosed before age 65, spend approximately 258 hours monthly. Caregivers for those in the moderate stage commit about 243 hours, while caregivers for those with severe dementia allocate around 292 hours.

When valuing this time against household wages, the caregiving hours translate to a median of S$1,218.75 monthly. Caregiving tasks include essential activities such as assisting with toileting, feeding, housekeeping, and ensuring safety.

Despite the significant time commitment, caregivers reported an average of only 6.1 hours of sleep per day, consistent across various stages of dementia. Those caring for individuals with severe dementia often reported slightly less sleep.

Call for Enhanced Support

The survey indicated that while 62% of respondents received some form of government or community support, 89% believe that more can be done to assist caregivers. Singaporeans caring for individuals with dementia have access to various subsidies from the Ministry of Health and the Agency for Integrated Care, including long-term care subsidies and the Home Caregiving Grant.

As most individuals with dementia live at home, caregivers frequently struggle with balancing employment and caregiving duties. The study revealed that 65% of caregivers experienced employment disruptions since assuming caregiving roles. Among respondents, 58% remain employed, while 42% are not in the workforce and face caregiving costs without steady income.