It is estimated that one in 12 people (8-9% of the cohort) will need such help in performing their ordinary daily tasks .A number of families in Singapore can afford a maid. A Filipina currently costs S$320 per month plus board and lodging. The Government, to make things easier, reduces the foreign maid levy to only S$250 (as opposed to the non-concessionary charge of S$345) where there is a child under 12 or an old person over 65 living in the house hold. Many families, however, do not have a maid. Eldershield is intended to fill the gap.