Elderly Care Maids in Singapore: How They Can Support Your Loved Ones

At a glance

For many families, a live-in helper is a practical way to keep elderly parents safe, comfortable and accompanied at home, especially when adult children are working full-time or juggling childcare.

At Honest Recruiter, we carefully match elderly care helpers based on temperament, patience, language abilities and relevant experience, not just on paper qualifications.

What elderly care maids can help with

Depending on your loved one’s condition, an elderly care maid can assist with:

1. Daily personal care

• Assisting with bathing and basic grooming
• Helping with changing clothes and toileting
• Supporting safe movement around the house (e.g. using a walking frame)

2. Medication reminders and routines

• Reminding the elderly to take medication on time (as instructed by family/doctor)
• Helping to follow simple routines (e.g. timing of meals, rest, light exercise)

3. Meal preparation and feeding

• Preparing soft or suitable meals according to family instructions
• Helping with feeding, where gentle assistance is needed

4. General housekeeping and hygiene

• Keeping the home clean, especially high-touch areas and the elderly person’s room
• Laundry, changing bedsheets and maintaining a tidy environment

5. Companionship and supervision

• Keeping the elderly person company at home
• Accompanying them for short walks or simple outings, if safe
• Watching out for signs of discomfort, confusion or unusual behaviour and informing the family

What elderly care maids cannot do

It is important to understand that FDWs are not licensed nurses or medical professionals. There are limitations to what they should be asked to do:

• They cannot perform medical procedures such as injections or wound dressing that require professional training.
• They should not be the only person making important medical decisions.
• They may not be suitable on their own for complex conditions that require specialised nursing or dementia care.

Is an elderly care maid suitable for your family?

An elderly care maid may be suitable if:

• Your loved one mainly needs support with daily living (bathing, meals, mobility, reminders).
• You want someone at home during the day to keep them company and ensure they are safe.
• Family members are still involved in medical appointments and big decisions.

You may need additional professional support if:

• The elderly person has complex medical conditions that require nursing care.
• There is severe dementia with high wandering or behavioural risks.
• They need frequent medical procedures that a maid is not trained to handle.

How to choose the right elderly care helper

Beyond basic experience, you should consider:

1. Personality and temperament

• Patient, calm and gentle in communication
• Respectful towards seniors and comfortable with slower pace
• Emotionally stable and able to handle repeated routines

2. Relevant experience

• Previous elderly care experience in Singapore or overseas
• Comfort with tasks like toileting, changing diapers, assisting mobility
• Any exposure to dementia or stroke patients (if relevant to your family)

3. Language and communication

• Can communicate in a language your elderly parent understands (e.g. simple English, Mandarin, basic dialect)
• Can follow instructions from family members and doctors

4. Family involvement

Even with a maid, family support is key. A helper works best when there is:

• Clear instructions and routines provided by the family
• Regular check-ins and encouragement
• Willingness to adjust arrangements as the elderly person’s condition changes

Tips for a smooth elderly care arrangement

A good elderly care arrangement is built over time. Some practical tips:

• Start with a clear daily routine written down for the helper to follow.
• Demonstrate how your parent prefers things (food, bathing, clothing, etc.).
• Encourage your helper to inform you early if she notices changes in mood, appetite or mobility.
• Schedule regular breaks and rest days so she does not burn out.
• Review the arrangement every few months and adjust as your loved one’s needs change.

Frequently asked questions