Caring for Elderly Parents While Working Full-Time in Singapore

Singapore's sandwich generation faces a unique and intensifying pressure. Caught between raising children and caring for ageing parents, many working adults find themselves stretched thin across competing demands. The numbers tell a compelling story: more than 210,000 Singaporeans provide some form of informal caregiving to elderly family members, and a significant portion of these caregivers are employed full-time.

Balancing work and eldercare is not just a scheduling challenge. It is an emotional, financial, and physical reality that touches every aspect of a caregiver's life. The good news is that with the right knowledge, support structures, and strategies, it is possible to manage both responsibilities without sacrificing your own wellbeing.

Understanding the Challenge

The demands of eldercare are inherently unpredictable. A parent's health can change suddenly, requiring emergency hospital visits, medication changes, or new care arrangements. This unpredictability sits uncomfortably alongside the structured demands of a full-time job.

The Emotional Toll

Many working caregivers experience guilt in both directions. At work, they worry about whether their parent is safe and comfortable. At home, they feel the pressure of unfinished tasks and career expectations. This chronic emotional tension, sometimes called caregiver ambivalence, is among the most underappreciated aspects of the caregiving experience.

Financial Realities

Eldercare costs can be substantial, from medical bills and medication to home care services and assistive equipment. Some caregivers reduce their working hours or turn down career opportunities to accommodate care responsibilities, which compounds the financial strain over time.

Workplace Rights and Support

Singapore has made meaningful progress in supporting working caregivers through legislation and employer guidelines.

Caregiver Leave

Under the Employment Act, employees in Singapore are not yet entitled to dedicated caregiver leave, but many employers now offer it voluntarily as part of their benefits package. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has encouraged employers to adopt flexible leave arrangements, and some progressive companies offer two to seven days of paid caregiver leave annually.