Hiring a foreign domestic worker (FDW) is often thought to be the only solution to get extra hands to help around in the household. While FDWs play an extremely valuable role in many Singaporean and expat households – particularly by making it possible for breadwinners to strike a balance between their career and their personal life – they are hardly the only option.
Hiring a FDW should not be taken lightly. It is imperative that any employer-to-be takes time to think about everything hiring a FDW involves – i.e. spending time training your new employee, managing the relationship, coping with certain challenges that might arise (such as cultural and language barriers) or having someone you don’t know move in with you on a full-time basis. Because it works for many households in Singapore doesn’t necessarily mean that it is the best solution for yours.
Before Hiring a Live-In Helper: What to Consider
Hiring a foreign domestic worker involves more than filling a role. Employers should be prepared for:
- Training and onboarding a new employee
- Managing an ongoing employer-employee relationship
- Navigating cultural and language differences
- Having someone live in the home full-time
While live-in helpers work well for many families, they are not always the best solution for households that prefer privacy, flexibility, or short-term support.
Taking time to assess your needs helps avoid rushed decisions and leads to better outcomes for everyone involved.
Part-Time Domestic Help as an Alternative
If your primary need is household cleaning or basic chores, hiring a legal part-time domestic helper may be a suitable option.
In Singapore, many local domestic workers offer part-time services through licensed agencies or platforms. This option is ideal if:
- You do not require daily support
- You prefer flexible schedules
- You are not ready for a live-in arrangement
Part-time domestic help allows households to receive assistance without the responsibilities that come with employing a foreign domestic worker.
Childcare Alternatives to Live-In Helpers
For families whose main concern is childcare, there are several alternatives to live-in helpers.
Part-Time Babysitters
Part-time babysitters can care for children during working hours, after school, or on specific days. This works well for families who need support only at certain times.
Childcare and Daycare Centres
Enrolling children in licensed childcare or daycare centres provides:
- Structured learning environments
- Social interaction with peers
- Professional supervision during work hours
This option suits families who prefer educational support alongside childcare.
Elderly Care Alternatives
When caring for an elderly parent with medical or mobility needs, specialised care options may be more appropriate than general household help.
Consider:
- Elderly daycare centres with professional staff
- Qualified part-time nurses or caregivers
- Home-based care services tailored to medical needs
These options can offer focused care while reducing the workload placed on a single live-in helper.
Support for Children With Special Needs
For families with children who have special needs, specialised care is often essential.
Possible alternatives include:
- Schools with special education programmes
- Integrated Child Care Programmes (ICCP) for children aged 2 to 6
- Special Student Care Centres (SSCC) for children aged 7 to 18
These programmes provide structured environments with trained professionals and personalised support.
Making the Right Choice for Your Household
Every household is different. Some families ultimately find that hiring live-in helpers or foreign domestic workers remains the best solution. Others discover that part-time help or specialised services better match their needs.
Before deciding, employers should:
- Clearly define their household needs
- Consider time, budget, and level of commitment
- Evaluate both short-term and long-term options
If you do decide to hire a foreign domestic worker, taking the employer role seriously and building a respectful working relationship from the start is key to long-term success.
At HelperChoice, we provide resources and guidance to help employers make informed, ethical hiring decisions—whether that means hiring a helper or exploring alternatives.ng-lasting helper-employer relationship.