There are short term, temporary care options, otherwise known as respite care options, that you can tap on when you take a break from caregiving, or when you need just that bit of extra assistance from time to time, such as when the helper goes on home leave.
Finding a Suitable Respite Option
Respite care options come in the following forms; at a senior care centre and at a nursing home. Your loved one’s condition and the duration in which you need the service will help you decide on the suitable option. Read this article to find out
all you need to know about Respite Care in Singapore.
At a Senior Care Centre
(for seniors who require some supervision or need some assistance with daily care activities)
This is suitable if respite is required only during the day. While at the centre, seniors take part in social activities ranging from simple exercises, art and craft, to karaoke sessions. Meals are provided, and care staff will look after the seniors’ daily care needs such as toileting and feeding (including tube feeding).Seniors can make use of this option on an ad hoc basis, even for a day.
Find out more on centre services.
At a Nursing Home
(for seniors who are more frail and require nursing needs)
Nursing home respite care is a stay-in service and suitable for seniors who are physically or mentally disabled because of illness, and are dependent on caregivers for daily care needs. This service is suitable for families who are unable to care for seniors at night. This is also for seniors who have daily nursing care needs such as wound dressing, tube feeding, and stoma management. This option is available for a minimum of seven days per stay, and up to 30 days per year.
Find out more on nursing home respite care.
Night respite aims to provide caregivers of persons with dementia, with Sundowning behaviour, the opportunity to take time off from night-time caregiving duties. Sundowning is the worsening of behavioural difficulties towards the end of the day. The Night Respite service will help persons with dementia with their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), and provide meaningful engagement.
Find out more on night respite here.
Plan Early with the Pre-enrolment Programme
You are encouraged to plan early for respite services and pre-enrol with your preferred senior care centre or nursing home for respite care. By pre-enrolling, you will complete some pre-admission applications in advance so that it shortens the time to access respite care when you need it.
Read more about the pre-enrolment programme,
Go Respite, and the application process.
