Singapore is fast reaching a point where eldercare is no longer a future concern but a present reality for many families. With seniors aged 65 and above already making up about one-fifth of the population, and expected to approach one in four in the coming years.
As daily responsibilities grow, many families in Singapore turn to an Indonesian maid agency to support their aging parents with essential needs such as mobility assistance, bathing, medication reminders, and companionship.
At Hire A Maid, we recommend families to view eldercare hiring as a long-term caregiving decision, not a short-term household arrangement. Successful placements happen when domestic helpers are trained not only in daily eldercare tasks, but also in communication, patience, and maintaining stable routines that support an elderly person’s dignity, safety, and emotional wellbeing.
Why Indonesian Maids Are The Preferred Choice For Elder Care In Singapore
While domestic helpers from Myanmar or The Philippines are also valued for their kind natures, Indonesian helpers remain the top choice for eldercare in Singapore.
1. Language And Cultural Compatibility
An Indonesian helper shares similar cultural values with Singaporean families such as respect for elders and strong family ties which makes it easier for them to adapt and communicate with older employers.
2. Empathy And Patience
An Indonesian helper is often known for her gentle demeanour, which is crucial when dealing with elderly persons who may have dementia, limited mobility, or mood swings.
3. Extensive Experience In Caregiving
A large proportion of Indonesian domestic helpers undergo formal training in eldercare and basic nursing before deployment, making them well-prepared to manage seniors’ physical and emotional needs.
4. Strong Community Networks
Many Indonesian helpers already have relatives or friends working in Singapore, they integrate smoothly and feel more secure therefore reducing homesickness and turnover.
5. Affordability And Long-Term Cost Efficiency
Indonesian domestic helpers are often a more affordable option for elder care as overall hiring and replacement costs tend to be lower compared to some other source countries, making Indonesian helpers a more sustainable choice for households that need consistent support.
What To Look For When Hiring An Indonesian Maid For Eldercare
Choosing the right Indonesian domestic helper is about more than experience; it’s about finding the right fit for your family’s unique situation.
Key factors to consider when choosing an eldercare maid
- Language comfort: Does she speak basic English or Malay? Clear communication reduces misunderstanding, especially when dealing with medication or routines.
- Eldercare experience: Look for candidates who have worked in homes with seniors or completed eldercare-specific training.
- Personality fit: Compassion, patience, and emotional stability are essential traits for long-term success.
- Health and stamina: Caring for an elderly person often requires physical strength and attentiveness.
At our maid agency, we personally screen, train, and match Indonesian helpers to each family’s needs. We also provide continuous after-placement support, ensuring smooth adjustment for both employer and helper.
The Vital Role Indonesian Helpers Play In Eldercare
An Indonesian maid’s role extends far beyond daily chores. They often become companions, caregivers, and emotional anchors for the elderly.
Role Of Indonesian Maids For Eldercare
- Assisting with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and feeding
- Managing mobility support, including wheelchair transfers and fall prevention
- Administering or reminding seniors about medications
- Preparing nutritious meals according to dietary needs
- Providing companionship and mental stimulation through conversation or activities
- Monitoring health and behavioural changes and reporting them to family members
Our Indonesian maids are trained not only to perform these duties but also to understand the emotional aspect of eldercare.
Training And Certification Schemes For Eldercare Domestic Helpers
The Singapore government, in collaboration with accredited agencies and training providers, has introduced several training schemes and certification programmes to ensure domestic helpers are well-equipped for eldercare roles.
a. Eldercarer Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) Scheme
Launched by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), the Eldercarer FDW Scheme allows employers to hire domestic helpers who have completed specialised eldercare training in areas such as:
- Assisting with toileting, bathing, dressing, & feeding
- Safe transfer and mobility assistance (e.g., moving from bed to chair, fall prevention)
- Monitoring vital signs and basic health observation
- Supporting seniors’ daily needs (e.g., eating, walking around, simple exercise)
Domestic helpers under this scheme are usually trained in their home countries including Indonesia through MOM-approved training centres before deployment to Singapore.
b. Caregiver Training Grant (CTG)
Employers can tap on the Caregiver Training Grant, which provides a $200 annual subsidy per care recipient for caregiver training courses. These courses can also include FDWs who are caring for the elderly at home.
c. Agency-Led And In-House Programmes
Trusted Indonesian maid agencies like Hire A Maid run overseas training centres in Indonesia to provide comprehensive hands-on learning before domestic helpers arrive in Singapore.
Training covers:
- First-aid basics and fall prevention
- Managing chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure
- Emotional communication with elderly clients
- Hygiene and safety standards in Singaporean households
By the time your helper arrives, she’s not only ready to work but also confident in handling eldercare needs responsibly.
What Are The Government Incentives And Concessions For Eldercare Employers
Hiring a migrant domestic worker (MDW) for eldercare also comes with government support in the form of levy concessions and subsidies.
a. Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) Levy Concession
Eligible families can apply for the Concessionary MDW Levy Scheme, which reduces the monthly levy from $300 to just $60 per domestic helper.
To qualify, you must have:
- A Singaporean citizen aged 67 or older staying in the same household, or
- A family member with a certified disability (needing help with at least one Activity of Daily Living, such as bathing or dressing)
This concession helps lighten the financial load for families who rely on maids for full-time eldercare.
b. Pioneer Generation And Merdeka Generation Support
Families caring for elderly members under the Pioneer or Merdeka Generation schemes can also receive additional subsidies on healthcare, transport, and assistive devices indirectly reducing the household’s caregiving burden.
c. CareShield Life And ElderFund
For elderly individuals with severe disabilities, CareShield Life payouts or ElderFund assistance can be used to offset part of the costs of hiring and maintaining a maid for caregiving needs.
How A Maid Agency Supports Families And Domestic Helpers
When you engage Hire A Maid, you’re not just hiring a worker; you’re partnering with an honest maid agency that prioritises clear pricing, safety, empathy, and harmony in every household.
Our Key Advantages
- Rigorous background verification: Every helper’s records and references are checked thoroughly before placement.
- Specialised eldercare training: Our Indonesian domestic helpers undergo rigorous training in our overseas training centre before they arrive in Singapore.
- Post-placement support: We provide ongoing communication, home visits, and mediation if issues arise ensuring long-term trust and stability.
- Affordable pricing: No hidden fees or unclear terms; everything is discussed upfront for your peace of mind.
Our goal is simple; to create a harmonious home environment where seniors receive the care they deserve, and maids feel valued and supported in their work.
Conclusion
The demand for Indonesian maids in Singapore’s eldercare sector isn’t just a trend, it’s a reflection of their dedication, compassion, and professionalism.
With the right maid agency partnership, families can confidently entrust their elderly loved ones to capable, caring hands.
At Hire A Maid, we believe that eldercare is more than a service; it’s a relationship built on trust, respect, and humanity.
Ready To Find A Caring, Well-trained Indonesian maid or Myanmar maid For Your Elderly Loved One?
Contact us today and let us match you with a helper who understands compassion, safety, and family values.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Indonesian Maids And Eldercare In Singapore
1. How can I tell if my elderly parents will get along with an Indonesian maid?
Look for calm, respectful communication, language skills and empathy during interviews. We use personality-based matching to ensure both seniors and domestic helpers feel comfortable and connected.
2. What should I discuss with my domestic helper before she starts caring for an elderly person?
Share key details like medical conditions, medication timing, food preferences, mobility needs, and emergency contacts. Clear discussion builds trust and prevents misunderstandings later.
3. How can I ensure my elderly loved one’s dignity is respected by the helper?
Set expectations early about privacy, gentle communication, and respectful handling during care. Encouraging empathy helps the domestic helper provide care with professionalism and kindness.
4. What if my Indonesian helper feels emotionally drained from caregiving?
Caregiving can be demanding. Give her rest, social connection, and support. Our maid agency offers counselling and refresher training to help helpers maintain emotional balance.
5. Can my domestic helper handle medical devices or simple rehab exercises?
Domestic helpers trained under the Eldercarer FDW Scheme can manage tasks like using walkers, wheelchairs, or monitoring vitals but complex medical care should stay with certified professionals.
