Finding the right care centre is an important decision, whether you are planning for yourself, supporting a loved one, or seeking help as a caregiver. Every individual’s situation is unique, and choices can be tailored to specific care needs, financial resources, and family circumstances.
In Singapore, there are various care options to meet different needs, from nursing homes and day care centres for seniors to specialised facilities for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Understanding these options can help you make an informed choice that ensures comfort, dignity, and quality of life.
Understanding Your Care Needs
Start by assessing the level of care required.
Assisted care / Assisted living care: For those who are mostly independent but may need help with meals, mobility, or medication reminders.
Intermediate care: For individuals who require regular therapy, rehabilitation, or nursing supervision.
Full-time nursing care: For individuals with complex medical conditions who need round-the-clock support.
It is also important to consider the overall environment, such as comfort, privacy, activities offered, and whether it fits your or your loved one’s preferences.
Types of Care Centres in Singapore
1. Nursing Homes
Provide residential care for seniors who require significant assistance with daily living or medical care.
There are two main types of nursing homes.
- MOH-Subsidised Nursing Homes: Supported by the Ministry of Health, these homes offer affordable long-term care with means-tested subsidies.
- Private Nursing Homes: Offer more personalised services, often with enhanced comfort and privacy.
In recent years, premium care homes such as Allium Care Suites and Perennial Living offer luxurious hospitality-style care. Residents enjoy private suites, hotel-style amenities, wellness programmes, and professional nursing support.
2. Community Hospitals and Inpatient Rehabilitation Centres
These centres cater to patients recovering from surgery, stroke, or serious illness. Care includes medical supervision, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy to support recovery and help individuals regain independence.
3. Senior Care Centres and Day Care Centres
Ideal for seniors who live at home but need daytime care or social engagement. These care centres provide meals, therapy sessions, and recreational activities, allowing seniors to stay active while offering caregivers some respite during the day.
4. Assisted Living Facilities
These facilities combine independence with support. Residents live in their own apartments but have access to care services, communal dining, and social programmes. This option suits seniors who value privacy and require certain assistance.
5. Homes for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)
Residential homes that provide long-term care for individuals with intellectual, physical, or developmental disabilities. Residents receive personal care, therapy, and opportunities to learn life skills for greater independence.
6. Day Activity Centres (DACs) for PWDs
Daytime programmes that help PWDs develop social, motor, and vocational skills. Participants can engage in activities, training, and community involvement while still living at home.
7. Hospice and Palliative Care Centres
Palliative care supports individuals with life-limiting or serious illnesses, focusing on symptom management, pain relief, and emotional well-being. Palliative care can be provided alongside active treatment. Hospice care supports individuals in the final stages of life, usually with a prognosis of six months or less. The focus is entirely on comfort, dignity, and emotional support for both the patient and their family.
8. Home-Based Care Services
For those who prefer familiar surroundings, home-based care brings medical, nursing, and therapy services directly to their home. This option supports independence and comfort while ensuring proper care is provided.
9. Respite Care
Some centres offer short-term or respite care, providing temporary support for seniors so caregivers can take a break or manage emergencies while ensuring loved ones continue to receive professional care.
10. Dementia-care facilities
Certain residential and day care centres specialise in dementia care, offering safe environments, structured activities, and trained staff to support cognitive and emotional well-being.
Financial Support For Care Homes In Singapore
Singapore provides several schemes to help families manage long-term care expenses.
- Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) provides a monthly cash allowance for families caring for loved ones with disabilities.
- MOH subsidy schemes reduce the cost of residential long-term care services based on household income and care needs. Currently, Singapore Citizens can receive up to 75%, and Permanent Residents up to 50%, for eligible residential care services. These subsidies make long-term care more affordable, especially for families without private support.
- Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF) offers subsidies for selected home healthcare items and assistive devices, helping seniors maintain independence and mobility.
- MediSave Care allows severely disabled individuals to withdraw up to $200 per month from their own and/or spouse’s MediSave accounts to cover long-term care expenses.
- CareShield Life is a national long-term care insurance scheme that provides financial support and monthly cash payouts starting from $600 to individuals who become severely disabled. Payouts increase annually until age 67 and are higher if you make a claim at an older age.
These schemes help make long-term care more affordable and accessible, easing the financial and emotional burden on families.
Making The Right Choice
When choosing a care centre, consider:
- The level of medical and care support needed
- The location and accessibility for family visits
- The cost and available subsidies
- The comfort, culture, community and environment of the facility
Ultimately, the right care centre should offer more than just assistance. It should provide a place of comfort, connection, and a sense of home.
Be it you are planning ahead for elderly care or exploring options for a loved one, this guide aims to help you understand the different types of care centres available in Singapore.
Apart from choosing the right care setting, it is also worth considering important steps such as making a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), Advance Care Planning (ACP), and planning for care costs to ensure peace of mind for you and your family.
Have questions? We’re happy to help and guide you through the process.