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The treatment of domestic workers continues to be a hot-button topic, especially when reports emerge of employers not giving helpers adequate\u00a0<\/span>food<\/span> or <\/span>rest<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n This is indefensible. But it does not represent all Singapore employers, many of whom employ domestic workers to manage the demands of work and caregiving, but struggle with space constraints.<\/span><\/p>\n According to the MOM, nearly three in four households employing helpers benefit from the concessionary levy, meaning they have a child under 16, a senior aged 67 and above, or a person with disabilities in the household.<\/span><\/p>\n The concessionary levy reflects the government\u2019s recognition of the role helpers play in supporting such households.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Of course, other options for caregiving exist, such as senior homes and childcare, though these can involve higher costs.<\/span><\/p>\n For instance, in Singapore, the monthly cost of\u00a0<\/span>nursing home care<\/span> starts from S$3,900 before subsidies, with care for persons with dementia generally costing more<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n Full-day infant care at government-supported preschools currently costs S$746 to S$1,256 monthly after basic subsidies, though the government announced in August that fees will\u00a0<\/span>progressively be reduced<\/span> to S$300 by 2030.<\/span><\/p>\n But one of the most valuable things a helper offers a family is the flexibility to balance work and caregiving. Take childcare, for instance. Some workplaces do not support leaving at 6pm sharp to make it to childcare pickup by 7pm.<\/span><\/p>\n A helper can also provide a crucial buffer when family emergencies crop up.\u00a0Three weeks ago, my father had a fall outside and was rushed to the hospital. I can only imagine the mayhem at home if my helper had not been there to hold the fort with my kids.<\/span><\/p>\n