Long-term stay in care for seniors who cannot be cared for at home.
Introduction
Nursing homes offer long-term care for seniors who need help with their day-to-day or nursing care needs. This is a residential care service, meaning that the care recipient will move into the nursing home and be cared for there.
Who is this service for
The senior:
- Has a physical or mental disability due to illness
- Is not able to move around and/or do his/ her daily living activities without help or supervision as a result
- Cannot be cared for at home, even after you have tried all other options such as day care centres or home care services.
Services provided
Nursing homes offer:
- Help with activities of daily living: Assistance with showering, eating, using the toilet, and other daily activities.
- Nursing care: Services include managing feeding tubes, catheters, wound care, etc.
- Activities: Physical and social activities, like exercises and outings, to keep residents active.
- Care for mental health conditions: If the nursing home specialises in caring for those with dementia or psychiatric conditions, there will be programmes and activities to slow down the worsening of these conditions.
Selected homes may also offer special services such as:
- Short-term respite care for caregivers
- Chronic sick services for those whose medical conditions have long-term complications that require nursing care (e.g. chronic wounds and tracheostomies).
To find nursing homes near you, visit SupportGoWhere.
Cost
The basic cost starts from $3,900 per month depending on the level of care needed, before any government subsidies.
There may be additional fees such as deposits and other charges, depending on the nursing home.
To qualify for subsidies, your loved one will need to be a Singapore Citizen or PR.
Subsidies are also means-tested (i.e. there is an income criteria).
Click here to find out more about means-testing.
You can also talk to your nursing home provider, or a medical social worker at the hospital if you need help with the fees.
How to apply
To apply for subsidised care in a nursing home, you will need to get a referral from a hospital, polyclinic or medical social worker who is familiar with your loved ones’ condition and needs.
You can also visit an AIC Link to get help with the application.
