For elderly care, a Filipino maid and a Myanmar maid face the same MOM rules, so the choice should rest on the individual helper's caregiving experience, communication with your parent, and training. On SmartMaid's live biodata on 11 October 2026, 1,316 Myanmar profiles (about 47%) and 26 Filipino profiles (about 41%) record elderly care experience. Whichever you choose, MOM notes that caregiving needs specialised skills, and AIC's Caregivers Training Grant can fund approved courses for helpers.
Same MOM rules for both
The Philippines and Myanmar are both approved source countries. Eligibility, levy, bond and insurance rules do not change with nationality. If you live with a Singapore citizen aged 67 or above, you may pay the $60 concessionary levy instead of $300, whichever nationality you hire. Sources: MDW eligibility and Levy concession.
What SmartMaid profiles show
| Filipino profiles | Myanmar profiles | |
|---|---|---|
| Live biodata | 63 from 3 agencies | 2,822 from 10 agencies |
| Recorded elderly care experience | 26 (about 41%) | 1,316 (about 47%) |
| Listed past work in Singapore | 11 | 441 |
| Listed work in another country | 34 | 460 |
| Transfer helpers already in Singapore | 1 | 26 |
Profile figures describe biodata listed on SmartMaid on 11 October 2026 (published profiles from licensed agencies). They change daily and describe this catalogue only, not all helpers of any nationality. Experience fields are as recorded by agencies on each biodata.
With only 63 Filipino profiles, there are far fewer to choose from on SmartMaid, and the percentages are less stable. Judge each biodata and interview on its own.
What elderly care needs, whatever her nationality
MOM says caregiving for seniors is more complex than housework: helping someone move or transfer from bed to wheelchair, changing adult diapers, helping with medication, and communicating with a senior who may not speak much English. It suggests specialised training, and points to AIC's Caregivers Training Grant for approved courses. See Is your helper trained to provide caregiving duties?.
- Ask what care she actually gave: mobility, feeding, bathing, medication, dementia.
- Check she can communicate with your parent, in English or another shared language.
- If your parent needs permanent help with 3 or more daily activities, MOM points to AIC's Home Caregiving Grant of up to $400 a month.
Interview checklist
- Describe your parent's day and ask how she would handle each part.
- Ask how she would move your parent from bed to chair safely.
- Ask how she would make sure the right medicine is taken.
- If she worked in Singapore before, check her history in FDW eService.
You can browse helpers with elderly care experience and filter by nationality.
Related guides
- Myanmar maid vs Indonesian maid
- How to hire a Myanmar maid for elderly care
- Elderly care helper: interview questions
This is a practical guide, not MOM. Rules and fees change, so confirm the current position on mom.gov.sg before you act. Last reviewed: 11 October 2026.
