ComCare provides financial assistance to low-income families to support their basic living expenses. Are you facing a crisis and you or your loved one is unable to work and support the basic needs of your family? Are you earning too little and do not have enough savings to support your family? Scan QR code to find out what help is available for you with ComCare!
https://www.msf.gov.sg/what-we-do/comcare
Not sure which scheme, assistance or support you are eligible for? Scan QR code to explore what options are available for you:
https://supportgowhere.life.gov.sg/eligibility
What if you do not have the time to apply and wait for assistance to reach you? The ONE Emergency Fund provides financial and in-kind assistance to low-income individuals and families who require urgent help but cannot find it elsewhere or in time. Find out more here:
https://onesingapore.org/take-action/emergency-fund/
Do you have difficulties paying for your hospital bills even after receiving subsidies and schemes such as MediShield Life and MediSave? You may approach a medical social worker to help you apply for Medifund. Learn more here:
https://www.moh.gov.sg/healthcare-schemes-subsidies/medifund
This scheme provides subsidies for Singaporean and Permanent Residents (59 years old and below) with disabilities (PWDs) to purchase assistive technology devices to enable independent living. Successful applicants qualify for a means-tested subsidy of up to 90% of the cost of the required equipment, subject to a lifetime cap of $40,000.
For Singaporeans aged 60 years and above and require financial assistance to purchase mobility and assistive devices to assist independent living and to mobilise in the community.
Applicants who are staying at home instead of a nursing home may also receive subsidies for the cost of Home Healthcare Items such as catheters, milk supplements, thickeners, adult diapers, nasal tubing and wound dressings.
https://www.aic.sg/financial-assistance/seniors-mobility-and-enabling-fund-smf/
Singaporean flat owners with at least one member in the household aged between 60 and 64 years who require assistance for one or more of the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) can apply for this programme. A Functional Assessment Report endorsed by a Singapore Medical Council fully registered doctor must be submitted together with the application form.
Through EASE, improvement items such as slip-resistant treatment, grab bars and ramps can be installed in your flat making it elderly-friendly and improve mobility and comfort for elderly residents.
Have the desire and determination to return to work? There are employment opportunities out there. Scan QR code to explore the different programmes available and may be suitable for you or your loved ones.
Employment Assistance – Persons with disabilities* can seek employment assistance from SG Enable’s Information and Career Centre, located within the Enabling Village. Persons with disabilities can seek employment assistance from SG Enable’s Information and Career Centre.
Check out some Employment Programmes offered by SG Enable and SPD:
Depending on your transport needs, some modes of transport may be more suitable than others. Public transport is more affordable, but private transport offers more convenience and caters to a wider range of mobility needs. Scan the QR code below to find out more about the available schemes.
https://www.enablingguide.sg/im-looking-for-disability-support/transport
The Caregivers Training Grant is a $200 annual subsidy1 that lets caregivers attend approved courses to better care for their loved ones.
https://www.aic.sg/financial-assistance/caregivers-training-grant-ctg/
Based on the income level, eligible caregivers will be given a payout of $200 to $400 to recognise their caregiving efforts and to ease financial burden.
https://www.aic.sg/financial-assistance/home-caregiving-grant-hcg/
Families that have a person with disability (requiring assistance with activities of daily living) may only pay $60 of levy instead of $300.
https://www.aic.sg/financial-assistance/migrant-domestic-worker-mdw-levy-concession/
There are 2 types of legal proceedings that allow caregivers to make decisions on behalf of their loved ones. Find out more by scanning the QR codes.
The LPA is a legal document which allows a person who is at least 21 years of age (‘donor’), to voluntarily appoint one or more persons (‘donee(s)’) to make decisions and act on his/her behalf if he/she loses mental capacity one day. A donee can be appointed to act in the two broad areas of personal welfare and property & affairs matters.
https://www.msf.gov.sg/what-we-do/opg/lasting-power-of-attorney/what-is-a-lasting-power-of-attorney
A deputy is appointed by the court to make certain decisions on behalf of a person who lacks mental capacity when the person has not made a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) and has no Donee to decide on his behalf in respect of those decisions. A Deputy can be an individual or a licensed trust company under the Trust Companies Act (Cap.336), as prescribed by the Mental Capacity Regulations.
https://www.msf.gov.sg/what-we-do/opg/deputyship/what-is-a-court-appointed-deputy
Caregiving can be physically and emotionally demanding; however, with the right support received, you can enjoy an empowering, rewarding, and fulfilling journey ahead. Caregiving requires continuous learning. It is important to take the time to reflect on your own personal growth and development which makes you more confident in your ability to provide care and support to your loved one. Being equipped with the necessary skills and tools can also bring you a greater sense of purpose and meaning in your role as a caregiver.
Firstly, what is caregiver stress and are you affected by it?
Caregiver stress refers to a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. This can happen to any caregiver. It is okay to feel stressed while you are trying your best to fulfil your care recipient’s needs; however, too much stress is not healthy! Here are some signs of caregiver stress to look out for:
How to cope with caregiver stress?
Learn more about How to Manage Caregiver Stress here.
Caregiver burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by the prolonged and overwhelming stress of caregiving. Caregivers may struggle to maintain a sense of purpose in working hard to provide care, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and being unappreciated, second-guessed, or criticised by other family members and/or the care recipient. You may feel reluctant, unable, or unwilling to reach out for help from others when you are dealing with caregiver burnout. Isolation and energy conservation are hallmarks of caregiver burnout and can negatively impact your relationships with others.
Signs of caregiver burnout:
How can I avoid caregiver burnout?
For more info, check out How to Care for Yourself as A Caregiver.
Compassion fatigue is an extreme state of tension and preoccupation with the suffering of your loved one. It results from exposure to another person’s traumatic experience(s) and creates high levels of emotional stress and despair. Compassion fatigue is the final stage of burnout which often causes caregivers to experience a weakened sense of empathy for those in their care. One might experience decreased patience and/or tolerance or experience angry outbursts that are uncharacteristic of their behaviour.
Signs of compassion fatigue:
Feeling stressed, anxious, or uncertain of what you are feeling? Take a self-check assessment to assess your stress, anxiety and mental health. The links below also equip individuals with tools, knowledge and pathways to self-care and seek out professional help when needed.
Self-care means taking time off to care for yourself, such as doing things that you enjoy and help you relax. Explore ways to include fun and enjoyable activities into your caregiving routine! It is recommended to do things that energise you even if for a short duration; something is better than nothing.
Examples of self-care activities:
Learn more about self-care tips here.
Caregivers do not have to shoulder all the responsibilities alone. Caregiving is an ongoing journey, and you should pace yourself and seek support when needed to avoid burnout. Remember to give yourself a break from time to time.
You can consider exploring respite care options for your loved ones. Respite care is a service where a trained staff provides short-term care (ranging from for a few hours to a few months) for the person requiring care in the caregiver’s absence. There are four types of respite options available in Singapore:
Apart from engaging the service of other service providers / family / friends, what else can you do?
Set aside respite time for yourself. Create a space for yourself where you can rest while your loved one is being taken care of by someone else. Remember: it is not selfish to set aside time and space for yourself! Your affected wellbeing may also have an impact on the care you provide for your loved ones.
1. Someone I know just got a stroke and is currently in acute care (hospital). What happens next?
The stroke patient will undergo various medical tests to assess the severity of effects left by the stroke. These assessments will allow you and your loved one to better understand the type of rehab suitable for the stroke recovery journey ahead.
The stroke care team will then work with you and the stroke patient to work out the discharge care plan, such as deciding on either inpatient or outpatient rehab and understanding your care needs.
Click here to read more about the post-stroke care journey on HealthHub.
2. Why do they feel like a different person after the stroke?
A stroke can occur in the part of the brain responsible for personality and mood, which can cause a person to behave differently from before the stroke.On the other hand, the effects of a stroke can also cause a person to feel as though their identity has changed as they may no longer be able to perform certain activities as before. Such changes in identity can lead to low moods, reduced social interaction with others, mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, or others.
3. How can I support them in their recovery journey?
4. What are the fees for stroke rehab at S3?
5. How to register for stroke rehab at S3?
The cells in the brain need oxygen and nutrients to help us function in everyday life. The blood which flows to the brain through blood vessels carries these much needed oxygen and nutrients.
A stroke happens when blood flow to a part of the brain is disrupted, causing our brain cells to die due to lack of oxygen.
Stroke is the fourth leading cause of disability in Singapore. According to the National Registry of Diseases Office (NRDO), the total number of stroke cases reported in 2022 (9,702) has almost doubled since 2010 (5,890), over a decade ago.
Alarmingly, NRDO’s data also revealed that the number of younger people (between 15-49 years) found to suffer a stroke has been increasing over the years, debunking the myth that only the elderly population are at a higher risk of experiencing a stroke at least once.
Ischaemic strokes are commonly associated with the ‘3 Highs’: high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), and high blood sugar (diabetes). Meanwhile, haemorrhagic strokes are commonly caused by high blood pressure.
The impact of a stroke varies based on the part of the brain damaged. Patients may have long-term loss of strength, sensation, or the ability to speak due to the stroke. The effects of a stroke are also different for everyone; for example, a person may have speech difficulties after a stroke while another may not.
Some possible effects include:
Source: HealthHub.SG
Source: HealthHub.SG
Life after a stroke may be full of uncertainties due to the new changes in physical, cognitive and emotional abilities, and daily activities. Here, we break things down for you to guide you along your recovery journey.
Did you know that the first 3 to 6 months after a stroke are crucial for stroke recovery?
This period is characterised by the most rapid and significant improvements in motor skills and other functions as the brain undergoes neuroplasticity. In other words, in most cases, the brain can best relearn functions affected by stroke (e.g. walking, dressing, speech, etc) during this period, resulting in better rehab outcomes.
Stroke-focused rehabilitation is thus critical in the first few months after a stroke to maximise recovery potential.
Note: As the effects of stroke are unique to each individual, the recovery journey may also be different for each person.
The road to stroke recovery will involve various people who want to help you, such as your doctor, social worker, therapy team, family and friends, and more. However, you can take some simple steps below to help yourself towards recovery too!
Reframing Mindsets (Corrective Thinking)
Adjusting Habits (Corrective Training)
Safeguarding Yourself (Corrective Behaviour)
A stroke puts you at higher risk of encountering another stroke, but you can reduce the chance of this happening by controlling the risk factors. Below are some simple ways that can lower stroke risk:
Note: Not all exercises are suited for everyone. Consult your therapy team for advice before trying out a new exercise.
Remember: spot stroke F.A.S.T.!
Source: HealthHub.sg
Click the link below to view a full list of available schemes for financial assistance, transport, caregiving support, and more:
Liza’s love story with her husband, Mr William Woo, took an unexpected turn when he suffered a stroke. As his primary caregiver, Liza dedicated herself to his recovery, exploring every avenue to support him. Her commitment extended beyond traditional care, leading her to open a salad shop. This wasn’t just a business venture; it was a labor of love, providing William with nutritious meals while promoting healthy eating within the community.
Recently, Liza organized a special “Rainbow Yusheng Workshop” at the Stroke Support Station (S3) for fellow stroke survivors. Adapting ingredients, tools, and preparation methods, she ensured everyone could participate in the festive Chinese New Year tradition. Liza’s dedication, from nourishing meals to inclusive activities, showcases the power of love and ingenuity in navigating life’s challenges. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of community support.
Read the full story on MustShareNews here!
S3 @ Enabling Village
20 Lengkok Bahru,
#01-04, Playground
Singapore 159053
Tel: 6473 3500
S3 @ Jurong Point
1 Jurong West Central 2
Community Hub,
#06-01, Jurong Point Shopping Centre
Singapore 648886
Tel: 6256 7129
S3 Innovation Lab
20 Lengkok Bahru,
#02-02, Playground
Singapore 159053
S3 Canopy
Active Ageing Centre (AAC)
Blk 693 Jurong West Central 1, #01-91
Singapore 640693
Tel: 8066 5986
S3 Summit Adaptive Gym
AMK Hub, 53 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3,
#04-06
Singapore 569933
Tel: 8924 3500
Ms Chang Hwee Nee is Chief Executive of the National Heritage Board (NHB). Before joining NHB, Ms Chang Hwee Nee held senior positions in the Ministries of National Development, Education, Health, and Finance. Ms Chang graduated with an MA in Economics from Cambridge University, United Kingdom. She also holds a Master of Public Administration from the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. Ms Chang is also a member of the Nomination (1 April 2019) and Investment (1 April 2020) Committees at S3.
Mr Max Loh is the Chairman of Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore and serves as a director on various statutory boards as well as public and private companies. He was formerly the Managing Partner for EY in Asean, Singapore, Brunei. He has over 30 years of experience in providing audit and business advisory services to a broad range of clients, including technology, construction and manufacturing corporates, hotels, financial institutions, and government concerns. He is also experienced in strategic planning, re-organisation, and operations improvement projects for various local companies as part of their globalisation and listing efforts. Mr Loh graduated from the National University of Singapore with Honours and is a fellow member of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants, CPA Australia and the Singapore Institute of Directors. He also serves as a member of the Investment Committee at S3.
Dr Ahmad Magad is the Lead Independent Director at Salleh Marican Foundation and PropNex Limited respectively. He currently sits in the Board of Trustees at Sree Narayana Mission Singapore (SNM) and is a member of the Malay Heritage Foundation. He was also Non-Executive Chairman at Second Chance Limited. Dr Ahmad was formerly the Secretary General of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation, and the Group Managing Director and Chairman at II-VI Singapore Pte Ltd as well as that of II-VI Infrared (IR) Optics Manufacturing Operations in Asia. He also served as President of the Singapore Productivity Association. He was also an elected Member of the Singapore Parliament (MP) and served in the Pasir Ris-Punggol Group Representation Constituency (GRC). Dr Ahmad is a Fellow Member of CPA (Australia), the Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK), and the Singapore Institute of Directors. He is also a Distinguished Fellow of the Management Development Institute of Singapore. Dr Ahmad was awarded the Walter L. Hurd Executive Medal by the Asia Pacific Quality Organisation in November 2016 in Rotorua, New Zealand. Dr Ahmad is also a member of the Strategy & Partnership Development Committee (1 April 2019) and was recently appointed Chairman of the Human Resources Committee at S3.
Ms Foo Sew Yen, Janet has 40 years of experience in the tourism industry with a specialisation in marketing and corporate event management for international clients. Prior to retirement, she founded her own events company servicing clients in the financial and information technology industries. An advocate of early parenthood, she formerly served on the board of I Love Children. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Singapore Institute of Management. Ms Foo is also a member of the Strategy & Partnership Development Committee (1 April 2020) at S3.
Mr Yap Wai Ming is a consultant to Harry Elias Partnership LLP, a Singapore law practice and a partner with Rosli Dahlan Saravana Partnership, a Malaysian law firm. He has over 37 years of experience in advising corporate clients on mergers and acquisitions, project finance and equity and debt capital markets and has an interest in the gaming and leisure business sectors. He is also a founder member and director of Corporate Monitor Limited, a Singapore charity that focuses on improving corporate performance of listed companies through rigorous research and engagement. He is also a Director of Vanguard Health Fund Limited, a committee member of the SingHealth Foundation Fund and Vanguard Medifund Committee respectively. He serves on the board of Ren Ci Hospital as well. He graduated from the National University of Singapore with an LLB with Honours and was admitted as an advocate and solicitor of the Singapore and Malaysia bar. Mr Yap is also a member of the Audit Committee (21 March 2018) at S3.
Dr Andrew Khoo is currently a board member of the National Environmental Agency and the Bank of Ningbo respectively. He is also Chairman of the board at OCBC Bank (Hong Kong). He was formerly Deputy Managing Director (Corporate Development) at the Monetary Authority of Singapore, where he spent most of his career. He was a board member of the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore and the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority. Dr Khoo is also a non-executive and independent director at the Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC) as well as a non-executive director at Great Eastern Holdings Ltd. He also served as a member of the Council on Corporate Disclosure and Governance, Securities Industry Council, Accounting Standards Council, and Advisory Board of the School of Accountancy at the Singapore Management University. He is also a member of the Audit Committee (1 October 2021) at S3.
Dr Loh is currently a Senior Consultant and Head of Department in Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) Department of Rehabilitation Medicine. His clinical sub-specialty is in neurorehabilitation and research interests are in rehabilitation technologies, especially in the areas of virtual reality, wearable sensors, telehealth, serious gaming, robotics, and AI/deep learning in rehabilitation. He is currently also Director of Clinical Innovations in TTSH Clinical Research & Innovation Office (CRIO), Adjunct Associate Professor, NTU Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine and Academic Chair, NHG Rehabilitation Health Academic Clinical Program. Dr Loh has been newly appointed as Chairperson of the Programmes, Services & Innovation Committee at S3 on 1 October 2025.
Magdelene is a Partner with PwC Singapore with over 25 years of professional experience providing assurance and financial advisory services to multinational and listed clients. Beyond her experience in financial and operational audit, she has accumulated specific experience in corporate governance, financial reporting, investigations, global capital markets, data audits, M&A transactions, post- deal implementation and finance effectiveness. She is passionate about digitalisation, and in her previous role as PwC’s Assurance Transformation Leader in Singapore, she was responsible for driving the digital strategy and transformation programmes. Magdelene is a Fellow Chartered Accountant of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants and Fellow of CPA Australia. Beyond professional work, she is a Global Governing Trustee of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and currently serves as a board member on the National Parks Board and ULI Asia Pacific Board.
Mr Jason Bay is Director, Chief Operating Officer’s Office, Sea Limited, and Chairperson of the newly installed Technology Committee (as of 1 October 2025) at S3. He is also a Senior Research Fellow (Adjunct) at the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health.
Mr Bay previously served as a public sector digital technology policymaker and privacy regulator, supporting the digital transformation of key sectors of the Singapore economy and advancing competition and consumer protection policies in the infocomm, media, and data protection domains.
As a technology practitioner, Mr Bay was the inventor and mastermind of TraceTogether, the world’s first digital contact tracing system, which won multiple international awards for innovation during the pandemic. He is the subject of case studies on digital innovation by Harvard Business School and Singapore Management University, and regularly speaks on digital governance, ethics, and innovation.
Mr Bay continues to pursue societal benefit through the considered application of digital technology to improve lives.
Mr Ling is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Coherence Pte Ltd and is the Chief Human Resource Officer at Foundation Healthcare Holdings. He has over 18 years of experience in People Strategy and Organisation Development in both consulting and corporate environments. His key consulting experiences include job redesign, competency modelling, performance management, manpower planning, training and development, knowledge management, remuneration and benefits structuring, change management, organisation design, and strategy development. Mr Ling is also a member of the Nomination Committee (7 February 2022) at S3.
Mrs Celine Tang is the Non-Executive Chairman of Acrophyte Pte Ltd (formerly known as Chip Eng Seng Corporation Ltd). As a veteran of the real estate industry, she ran SingHaiyi Group Pte Ltd as its Group Managing Director before retiring in March 2023. In addition to real estate, Mrs Tang possesses rich experience spanning pharmaceutical and commodities trading. Mrs Tang also controls New Port Duty Free Pte Ltd, the leading bonded provision supplier and ship chandler in Singapore. She also serves as the Non-executive Chairman of OKH Global Ltd. Possessing a strong belief in giving back to the society, Mrs Tang has been actively sponsoring and donating to the local community, education, sports and healthcare. Mrs Tang graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Literature from China People’s University for Police Officers (now known as People’s Public Security University of China). Mrs Tang is also a member of the Strategy & Partnership Development Committee (1 March 2024) at S3.
Since 2009, Ms Ng Rei Na has served in various social service sector roles both locally and internationally prior to her appointment as the Executive Director of S3.
Rei Na began her career in the social services sector by being part of the Strategic Planning, Research and Development Unit at the then Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS). She subsequently led Singapore’s largest disability sheltered workshop and social enterprise programme in the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS) for nearly a decade, where she spearheaded innovation and digital transformation, led ideation and strategic thinking for inclusive employment, and more. Rei Na proceeded to lead the Employability Services Unit at Rainbow Centre for almost three years. She also served on the Board of Directors for Workability International from 2019 to 2022.
Rei Na holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (2nd Upper Class Honours) from the National University of Singapore (NUS).
Joined 18 October 2021
Mr Cheng Guang Hao started his career as a physiotherapist in the private sector. Since 2019, he joined the social service sector through TOUCH Community Services where he played multiple roles in managing complex operations, leadership development, project management, and strategy development. Leveraging his prior clinical experience, Guang Hao possesses a deep understanding of the core challenges faced by staff in the community care sector, allowing him to effectively lead the clinical programme development and corporate services within S3.
Guang Hao holds a Masters in Clinical Physiotherapy (Manipulative Therapy) from Curtin University and a Diploma in Physiotherapy from Nanyang Polytechnic. He has also attained a Graduate Certificate in Organisational Development and a Professional Certificate in Public Policy and Administration.
Guang Hao is an AHPC registered physiotherapist in Singapore and a Prosci Certified Change Practitioner.
Joined 2 May 2023
Mr Lim Yuan Kang has over a decade of experience in the community health and social care sector honed through both professional and volunteer roles, thus equipping him with in-depth knowledge of community health service providers and the needs of persons with disabilities. Prior to joining S3, Yuan Kang played a key role in developing integrated community eldercare services at the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC). He also led a pioneering programme with caregivers at Rainbow Centre to enable alternative models of employment for persons with special needs that required high support.
Yuan Kang holds a Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude from Middlebury College.
Joined 7 March 2022
Ms Goh Shi Min brings over a decade of diverse physiotherapy experience to S3. She honed her skills for seven years at the National University Health System’s (NUHS) JurongHealth Campus, providing physiotherapy care to a broad spectrum of patients including those in neurological and geriatrics unit, orthopaedic, and cardiac rehabilitation. She took special interest in neuro-rehabilitation and also developed and conducted training programmes for various stakeholders in the neurological department.
She further expanded her expertise as a Senior Clinical Specialist with BMEC.asia before joining S3 in 2023 to lead the clinical team in optimising the current service structure for the stroke community.
Shi Min holds a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy from the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and Trinity College Dublin (TCD), and a Diploma in Physiotherapy from Nanyang Polytechnic.
Shi Min is an AHPC registered physiotherapist in Singapore. She has also been granted the certification of an Adaptive and Inclusive Trainer (AIT) from ATA (Adaptive Training Academy).
Joined 17 April 2023
