Capstone: Prevalence and Risk Factors of Caregiver Dependence Among Older Adults in Singapore

This presentation is based on findings from a national, epidemiological study, the Well-being of the Singapore Elderly (WiSE) study which aimed to establish the prevalence of dementia and depression among the elderly population (aged 60 years and above) in Singapore. The specific focus of this presentation is in relation to the prevalence and risk factors of caregiver dependence and our findings show that 17.2% of older adults in Singapore are caregiver dependent. Caregiver dependence is also associated with various socio-demographic characteristics and health related conditions including age, ethnicity, marital and employment status and education, as well as dementia, depression, stroke, eyesight problems, persistent cough, paralysis, and cancer. The implications of caregiver dependence are significant, affecting not only older adults themselves and their caregivers but the also the wider community, with social, political and economic impacts. In order to address the demands related to an ageing population, effective planning, services and support are crucial to meet the needs of older adults in Singapore as well as their caregivers.