"Your Sister Knows Everything." She Didn't.

Hi friends,

On Friday night, with the haze thick outside, he drove to his parents' flat with a box of masks and a new air purifier.

Mum was coughing a little.

Dad looked at the box and said, "Aiyah, waste money."

While he was setting it up, he asked, half joking, "Ma, if anything happens ah, where do you keep all your papers?"

She waved her hand.

"Your sister knows everything."

That night, he texted his sister.

She replied with one line.

"I thought YOU knew."

(This family is illustrative, not a specific client. But I suspect many of us will recognise them.)

The haze has been hard to miss.

On Sunday evening, the 24-hour PSI was 112 to 155, in the Unhealthy range (Meteorological Service Singapore, 11 Oct 2026).

From today, 12 October, MOH has activated the Haze Subsidy Scheme. Singapore Citizens aged 65 and above, and children aged 18 and below, can get subsidised treatment for haze-related conditions at participating Public Health Preparedness Clinics, and all Singapore Citizens can get it at polyclinics (MOH, 11 Oct 2026). The scheme was last activated in 2015 (MOH).

A few practical notes for our parents, from MOH:

• When the 24-hour PSI is in the Unhealthy range, seniors are advised to minimise prolonged or strenuous outdoor exertion.

• Those with chronic heart or lung conditions should keep their medications on hand (MOH haze advisory).

• If they're not feeling well, or symptoms don't improve with medication, they should see a doctor promptly (MOH, 6 Oct 2026).

• N95 masks aren't needed indoors. Seniors who have difficulty breathing should check with their doctor before using one.

Participating clinics can be found on GPGoWhere.

So we check the PSI. We buy the masks. We call Mum and Dad.

That's love, too.

Here's what stayed with me about that text.

"I thought YOU knew."

The haze came with a forecast, an index, an app and a health advisory.

Most family emergencies don't.

A fall in the bathroom. A sudden hospital stay. A day when Mum or Dad can't speak for themselves.

And when that day comes, the first questions are rarely about money.

They're much simpler.

Which clinic does Dad go to? What medicine is he on? Who should the doctor speak to? Where are the papers?

In many families, everyone quietly assumes someone else has it covered.

Usually the sibling who lives nearest. Or the one who's "good with these things".

Sometimes, nobody does.

I'll be honest. I'm not good at the "big talk" with my own parents either.

So I don't try to have it.

I look for small doors instead. And this week, the haze is one.

You're probably already calling to check on them.

"Got enough masks? Purifier working? Don't go for your morning walk, ah."

It's natural to add one gentle line:

"Ma, if one day you're not feeling well, who should the doctor call first?"

Then just listen.

No list. No forms tonight. One answer is a good start.

And maybe send one message to your siblings too:

"Eh, do any of us actually know where Mum and Dad keep their things?"

The reply may tell you more than you expect.

This is general information, not a checklist your family must finish.

1. A simple "who and where" note

Their regular clinic and doctor, the medicines they take, and who to call first. Kept somewhere the family can actually find it. The government's My Legacy vault is one place to store important information and share it with people they trust.

2. Advance Care Planning (ACP)

An ACP is a conversation about a person's values and care preferences, written down so loved ones and the healthcare team know what matters to them. A person can also appoint a Nominated Healthcare Spokesperson to speak for them (MyLegacy@LifeSG).

Because it starts with "what matters to you", it's often the gentlest place to begin.

3. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

An LPA lets a person aged 21 and above appoint someone they trust to make decisions for them if they lose mental capacity one day, for personal welfare, property and affairs, or both. Without one, loved ones may need to apply for a Deputyship order, which adds stress at an already hard time (MSF / Office of the Public Guardian).

It has to be made while your parent can still decide for themselves. MSF also encourages people to make an ACP and appoint their LPA donee as their Nominated Healthcare Spokesperson, so the two can work together.

4. One shared picture among siblings

Not everyone needs to do everything.

But everyone should know who is doing what, and where things are.

Fair doesn't always mean equal. It just needs to be talked about.

If Mum or Dad needed help tonight, would your family know who to call, what they'd want, and where things are?

Or would everyone think someone else knew?

You don't need to sort it all out this week.

Just use the next phone call.

Stay well in the haze, and keep an eye on the elderly around you.

If this got you thinking about your own family, WhatsApp me at +65 9048 2463.

To a strong and lasting legacy,

Edward Shee (施文山)

CFP, MDRT 2023/2025, IBFA, AEPP

Associate Director, Financial Advisory

RNF No: SBS200040073

Synergy Financial Advisers Ltd

M +65 9048 2463 | W [email protected]

A 51 Bras Basah Rd, #07-03, Lazada One, Singapore 189554

Edward Shee, Associate Director, Financial Advisory | RNF SBS200040073 | representing Synergy Financial Advisers Ltd

General Advice Disclaimer: https://synergy.com.sg/disclaimer-general-advice

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Synergy Financial Advisers Ltd.

Financial planning decisions should always be made based on your individual circumstances. You are encouraged to seek personalised advice from a qualified financial adviser before making any financial or estate planning decisions.

Edward Shee Boon Sun is a licensed representative of Synergy Financial Advisers Ltd.

This article is for general information only and does not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not legal, tax or financial advice. Haze and health information is from official sources as at 11–12 Oct 2026; please check haze.gov.sg and moh.gov.sg for the latest advisories, and see a doctor for medical advice. The image is illustrative and AI-generated; the story is illustrative and not about a specific client.