Introduction to Community Care & Support Services
Care recipients may fall sick and need medical help or receive care as they recover at home. They also need support with daily life, such as to eat and get dressed. For such situations, there are community-based services available to support caregivers and their loved ones.
Meanwhile, individuals who are in good health may want to take part in social activities.
Services Available
There are three main types of services available:
- Care at Home, which provides care at the care recipient’s home;
- Care Centres and Clinics, where individuals can go to in the day and return home to their families in the evening; and
- Inpatient Hospices and Nursing Homes, for those who cannot care for themselves or when they need care that cannot be provided at home.
Read on to learn more about the different services provided.
Care at Home
Care at home enables both you and your loved one to stay in the comfort of your homes. Whether it is delivered meals or home visits from nurses or doctors, help is on hand.
Home-based Respite Care
A day and/or night shift service that temporarily relieves you of your care duties.
Home Medical
Provides support to your loved one who requires help with medical needs such as physical examinations and prescriptions.
Home Nursing
For your loved one who needs nursing care at home such as wound dressing and changing of feeding tubes.
Home Palliative Care
Supports patients with serious illnesses, like advanced dementia or cancer, with palliative care at home.
Home Personal Care
For your loved one who requires personal services at home or to help you with your caregiving duties.
Home Therapy
Provides home-based rehabilitation, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.
Household Services Scheme
For those who require part-time or temporary help with household chores.
Meals on Wheels
Provides meal deliveries to your loved one who can’t buy or prepare their meals and do not have a caregiver.
Medical Escort and Transport
Provides transport and/or a companion for your loved one to and from medical appointments, such as to the hospital, specialist clinics or polyclinics.
Care at Centres
Care centres and clinics provide services near home so it’s easier to navigate and stay active. This includes meeting up with peers, getting the necessary care and therapy, and giving you some time to yourself.
Active Ageing Centres
An Active Ageing Centre or Active Ageing Centre (Care) is a drop-in social and recreational space that welcomes you or your loved one who live in nearby neighbourhoods.
Centre-based Nursing
Provides basic nursing care such as wound management or assistance with nasogastric tubes and other equipment.
Cognitive Intervention Programme
Created for persons living with mild to moderate dementia, the Cognitive Intervention Programme helps care recipients maintain or improve their cognition and functional status.
Community Rehabilitation Centres
Provides speech or physiotherapy to your loved one who needs to regain their abilities.
Day Care
Provides full-day programmes for your loved one who needs company and/or supervision while you are at work.
Day Hospice Care
Supports patients with serious illness, like advanced dementia or cancer, with palliative care and social activities at a centre.
Care at Clinics
Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS)
Provides subsidised medical and dental care for all Singaporeans.
Healthier SG
Helps Singaporeans take active steps towards better health early.
Nursing Homes or Hospices
When a loved one’s care needs have gone beyond what caregivers can provide at home, inpatient hospices and nursing homes may be another option.
Inpatient Hospice Palliative Care Service
For end-of-life patients who require on-premise inpatient care, terminal care or treatment.
Nursing Home
Long-term residential care facilities, Nursing Homes assist residents with daily activities and nursing care needs.
Nursing Home Respite Care
A special short-term care service offered at selected nursing homes to support caregivers who need a break.
Mental Health Services
Community Mental Health Teams
Reach out to the community mental health teams, your first stop for mental health.
Mental Health General Practitioner Partnership/Polyclinic
Holistic care for your mental health and physical health care needs.
Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Re-Integration
Support for persons in recovery.
Advance Care Planning (ACP)
Advance Care Planning (ACP) is the process of planning for one’s future health and personal care. It includes discussing one’s personal beliefs and goals for care with their loved ones and healthcare providers.
