Why A Second Maid For Elder Care | AIC Caregiver Grants And Subsidies | Best Home

A Second Elder Caregiver Maid: Highest Quality of Care And Cost Effective In The Long Term

Caring for an elderly loved one requires thoughtful planning and resources, and sometimes it’s challenging to provide the level of care that our loved ones truly need. When an elderly family member requires constant support, adding a second maid to the household can be both practical and cost-effective.

Fortunately, in Singapore, families have options through government subsidies and caregiver support programs that can make hiring additional help affordable. In this article, we’ll cover the benefits of having two maids for elder care, the financial advantages available, and why hiring through Best Home Employment Agency can make the entire process smoother.

1. Hiring Two Maids for Elder Care is Possible

Under the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations, an elderly person can indeed hire up to two maids under one employer's name, provided that there is approval from MOM. This can be reassuring for families managing the care of an elderly family member with complex or extensive needs. Having two maids is not only possible but also practical in scenarios where round-the-clock support is essential.

A second maid can provide valuable assistance, especially when the primary helper needs rest, additional household tasks need attention, or specialized care requirements must be met. Best Home Employment Agency has helped numerous families in Singapore with similar setups, ensuring that they have the necessary approvals and that their maids are equipped to meet all care expectations.

2. Financial Sense: Leverage the AIC Caregiving Grant, Levy Concession and Savings In Rest Day Compensation

1. One of the most compelling reasons to consider a second maid is the financial support available through the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC). The AIC Caregiving Grant, specifically designed for families with elderly members needing assistance, can offset some of the costs.

   
   

   AIC Caregiving Grant: If an elderly person requires help with at least three Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) — such as bathing, feeding, and moving around — they may qualify for the AIC Caregiving Grant. This grant has been recently increased to $400 per month, which can significantly reduce the financial burden of hiring extra caregiving help.

   
   

2. Levy Concessions: When hiring a maid for elder care, families can benefit from a levy concession, meaning that the monthly levy for each maid is only $60. This reduced rate, compared to the standard levy, can allow for 2 maids to be employed, without worry about high levy costs.

3. Savings on Rest Day Compensation: A common challenge with single-maid setups is the rest day compensation. When there is only one maid, she may have just one rest day per month, requiring employers to compensate her for 3 rest days where she worked. With two maids, each helper can be given four rest days a month, potentially eliminating the need for rest day compensation. This not only keeps costs down but also allows for the optimal physical and mental well-being of each helper, as they are assured sufficient rest.

3. Enhanced Elderly Care and Quality of Life

Having two dedicated maids in the household can help meet an elderly family member’s needs more comprehensively. With two maids, families can be confident that both elder care and household management are handled seamlessly:

- Elderly’s Personal Care: Two maids can rotate tasks related to the elderly's daily needs, ensuring that activities like bathing, toileting, and mobility support are managed with full attention and care.

- Housekeeping and Cooking: When there are two helpers, there’s more flexibility for one to focus on the household tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry, while the other attends to the elderly’s personal care. This division of responsibilities enables a higher standard of cleanliness and meal preparation, creating a more comfortable environment for the elderly family member.

4. Reduced Burnout and Enhanced Work-Life Balance for Maids and Other Family Caregivers

Caregiving is demanding work, both physically and mentally, and with only one maid, the risk of burnout among the caregivers at home can be high, especially when managing the complex needs of an elderly individual. Employing two maids helps mitigate this risk, as they can share the workload, particularly if they are tasked with night duties or continuous care.

For instance, in cases where the elderly person needs frequent support during the night, such as assistance with bathroom needs, two maids can alternate shifts. This arrangement allows each maid to have uninterrupted rest and prevents physical exhaustion and burnout. It is especially advantageous for families with only one or two other members caring for the elderly person, as the shared workload allows maids and other caregivers at home to maintain their energy levels and provide more attentive care.

5. Ideal for Elderly with Severe Mobility Limitations

Some elderly persons have significant mobility limitations due to conditions like stroke recovery or recent surgeries, where physical assistance with transfers, bathing, and dressing is necessary. In such cases, two caregivers can work together to handle these tasks safely and efficiently. For example:

- Showering and Toileting Support: Two maids can provide the necessary support to prevent falls and ensure the elderly person feels safe and comfortable during such vulnerable moments.

- Lifting and Bed Transfers: For elderly individuals unable to walk or sit up on their own, two maids can work together to lift or reposition them without strain. This setup also helps prevent injury to the maids themselves, as they can share the physical demands of the job.

When dealing with physically demanding care routines, the presence of a second maid can provide peace of mind, knowing that every task will be done carefully and securely.

Why Choose Best Home Employment Agency for Elder Care Maids?

Best Home Employment Agency understands the unique needs of families requiring elder care services. With over 30 years of experience, we’ve assisted countless families in Singapore with finding the right maids, tailored to each household's specific needs. Here’s what sets our agency apart:

1. Experienced and Trained Maids: At Best Home, we work closely with our Myanmar, Indonesian and Filipino partners to recruit maids who are experienced in elder care. Our elder care maids are trained to handle the daily tasks of caregiving, such as lifting, bathing, and mobility support, and we also offer orientation programs to familiarize them with your specific care requirements.

2. Dedicated Support in Applying for Grants and Concessions: Our team is knowledgeable in navigating AIC grants, MOM approvals, and other financial concessions. We guide you through the application processes to ensure you make the most of available subsidies.

3. Quality Assurance and Aftercare Services: At Best Home, our commitment doesn’t end with placing a maid in your home. We follow up with families to ensure everything is running smoothly and provide support whenever needed. This dedication to quality is why we have a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness in elder care.

4. Consultative Approach: We understand that every family’s needs are different. Our consultants work with you to assess whether a second maid is suitable and which candidates would best meet your household’s needs.

   
   

Employ A Second Elder Care Maid Today With Confidence and Assurance

Hiring a second maid for elder care is a decision that can greatly benefit families by ensuring the highest level of care, reducing caregiver burnout, and easing financial burdens through available grants and concessions. With the increase in AIC caregiver grants and MOM’s support for a levy concession, a second maid has become a more affordable and practical option.

At Best Home Employment Agency, we specialise in providing elder caregiver maids, and are here to guide you through every step of the process. Our well-trained maids, in combination with our agency’s extensive knowledge of elder care needs, will provide your family with the support and assurance you’re looking for. Let us help you create a balanced, nurturing environment where your elderly loved one receives the care they deserve.

For more information or to schedule a consultation with our team, contact Best Home Employment Agency. We’re committed to finding the best solutions for your family’s unique caregiving needs.