Sending elderly parents to a nursing home can sometimes be challenging because it means you will be separated from them and will have to deal with other individuals taking care of them. On the other hand, it can be tough to provide day-to-day care for senior family members, particularly if you also have work or a family that depends on you.
Thankfully, we can seek help from nursing homes. And because of this, our elderly relatives can get the proper attention, skilled nursing care, and help they require to live better lives.
Nursing Homes in Singapore: How Much Do They Cost?
Given Singapore’s growing ageing population, there are more older folks than ever who need care. Nursing homes play a significant role in achieving this goal, although many Singaporeans might not be aware of the financial implications or the considerations on searching for senior homes.
For citizens or permanent residents of Singapore, nursing home costs vary wildly from $1,200 to $3,500 monthly, determined by the kind of care as well as whether home nursing services, institutional care, or respite care is provided. While government subsidies offered to certain nursing facilities, however, can also significantly cut costs. Contrary to popular belief, the subsidy program is not just limited to VWO nursing homes and does not apply to private nursing facilities.
Nonetheless, some accredited private nursing facilities are qualified for the MOH’s portable subsidy plan, even though the majority of private nursing homes are still not covered by it. The VWO Nursing Homes, meanwhile, are similarly classified. Others that are self-funded or own financial assistance schemes are capable of providing financial and social support to patients who cannot afford the basic cost, while some permit individuals who pass the means-test criteria to receive supplementary financial support.
As part of their monthly expenses, nursing institutions levy the following fees and some others:
Private Nursing Homes under MOH Subsidy
- Orange Valley Nursing Home (certain branches). $1,200-$4,500 before subsidy
- Econ Medicare Centre And Nursing Home (certain branches). $1,200-$4,500 before subsidy
VWO Nursing Homes under MOH Subsidy
- Lion’s Home for the Elders. $700-$1,600 after subsidy
- All Saints Home (certain branches). $700-$1,600 after subsidy
- Ren Ci Nursing Home. $700-$1,600 after subsidy
- Grace Lodge. $700-$1,600 after subsidy
- Assisi Hospice. $8,850 before subsidy
- St. Andrew’s Nursing Home. $1,300-$2,300 before subsidy
- Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital. $1,460-$2,289 before subsidy
- Apex Harmony Lodge. $3,150-$3,400 before subsidy
- NTUC Health Nursing Home. $2,000-$3,500 before subsidy
How to Determine if You’re Eligible for a Nursing Home Subsidy?
Being a Singaporean citizen or a permanent resident is a prerequisite for receiving nursing home subsidies. Also, an elderly person must be currently getting care from an MOH funded service provider and match the means test requirements.
The following criteria make up the basis of the means test:
- The care recipient’s direct family members’ combined annual income
- Total number of people living together as a family in one home
- The annual worth of the household
What Charges Do Nursing Homes Cover in Their Fees?
Nursing homes provide a range of services aimed at enhancing seniors’ living conditions. Professional nursing care, medical care, assistance for the mentally disabled, help with activities of daily living, support from a medical social worker, and numerous other alternatives are accessible. All of these are geared toward preserving and enhancing the lives of senior Singaporeans.
The list that follows consists of nursing home services covered in Retire Genie:
- 24-hour emergency assistance and supervision
- Rehabilitative activities and occupational therapy
- 24/7 caregiving responsibilities (including personal care )
- Healthcare expenses
- Professional and integrative nursing care
- Charges for medical equipment (including IVs, oxygen tanks, etc.)
- Medical administration and management
- Weekly meals
- Accommodation and rooms
Are Nursing Homes the Better Alternative?
Assisted living is, in general, far more cost-effective for senior citizens without a life-threatening condition or doesn’t necessarily need long-term care. While gaining the same services, like compassionate care, support, and support from caregivers, seniors in nursing homes still live in freedom in assisted living and different nursing facilities. They can also enjoy access to healthcare, and the numerous social activities which allow them to continue developing their abilities and skills.
Likewise, for seniors who are incapable of moving around or need a more intensive amount of care and attention, home nursing services as well as those provided by nearby nursing homes are preferable.
