Choosing a Maid for Families with Special Needs

Friends,

Caring for a loved one with special needs is a full-time job.
Often, it is two full-time jobs... plus the night shift.

A good helper can share that load with kindness and skill.
Below is what to look for, which grants help, and where you can get a break.

What does your family member actually need help with?

Write a short care brief before you look at a single biodata.
Every person is different, so be specific.

• Daily living: washing, dressing, feeding, toileting, moving around, bed-to-chair transfers.
• Mobility: wheelchair use, lifting, getting to therapy or school.
• Communication: how your loved one shows pain, hunger or distress.
• Routines: medication times, meals, therapy exercises, sleep.
• Engagement: play, learning or leisure activities.
• Emergencies: what to do, who to call, where the hospital is.

What skills should a helper for special needs care have?

How do I interview a helper for a special needs family?

Ask situational questions.
You want to see how she thinks under pressure.

• "If he refuses to eat and starts crying, what would you do?"
• "If she falls while you are alone at home, what are your first three steps?"
• "Have you cared for someone who could not speak? How did you know what they needed?"
• "How do you feel about learning new skills, like transfers or tube feeding, in a course?"

Be upfront about the full job.
A helper who knows what she is signing up for is more likely to stay.

Can I get the levy concession for a person with disabilities?

Yes, if the conditions below are met.
The levy drops from S$300 to S$60 a month.

Swipe left or right to see the full table on mobile.

Is your loved one below 16 or 67 and above? MOM's young child or elderly scheme already covers them, so you do not need the disability route. Sources: MOM levy concession and AIC, checked 15 Oct 2026.

What caregiving training can my helper take, and is it subsidised?

MOM leaves training to you.
Households have different needs, and the employer is best placed to decide which skills the helper needs (MOM written answer, 8 Sep 2026).

• Approved courses range from eldercare to caring for persons with disability, including autism and intellectual disabilities (MOH).
• Training is also available through SG Enable.
• Pick courses that match your care brief: transfers, feeding, medication, communication.

Source: AIC Caregivers Training Grant, SG Enable, checked 15 Oct 2026.

What other support can special needs families get?

Sources: AIC Home Caregiving Grant, AIC Take a Break, checked 15 Oct 2026. Eligibility details may change; check AIC before applying.

How do I set my helper up to succeed?

• Stay contactable. If she is alone with your loved one, she must be able to reach you at all times.
• Hand over the care brief. Walk her through routines, likes, dislikes and warning signs.
• Ask for her view. She spends the most hours with your loved one, so her observations count.
• Plan her rest. One rest day a week, and at least one a month cannot be compensated away. A rested carer gives better care.
• Pay on time. Salary is due within 7 days after the salary period ends.

And keep her working only at your address.
Illegal deployment can cost you a fine of up to S$10,000.

Love does most of the heavy lifting in a special needs home.
A good helper does some of the actual heavy lifting.

Ray

P.S. The CTG top-up lands every 1 April. Book the course before the grant gathers more dust than the treadmill in my living room.