A Deep Dive Into the Cost of Nursing Homes (Singapore 2024)

The thought of being away from your loved ones, in the hands of others, can cause some doubts and worries. But the demands of daily life—balancing work, family, and personal responsibilities—can make it almost impossible to provide the round-the-clock care they need. Thankfully, nursing homes offer a solution, providing professional support and dedicated care when family members cannot be there themselves for their seniors.

To start this journey, keeping track of the cost of nursing homes in Singapore is beneficial, especially when evaluating various options and subsidies available. Nursing homes offer different levels of care and financial assistance. Costs vary based on the level of care, nursing facilities, and government subsidies. In this guide, we'll get a closer look into nursing home services, costs, and financial assistance options. We'll break down all we need to know to make the process more understandable for senior persons and families.

What are nursing homes?

Nursing homes provide long-term residential care for senior residents who require professional nursing care, rehabilitation, or assistance with daily living. These facilities cater to seniors with complex medical needs, including those who are mentally disabled or terminally ill. Some nursing homes offer hospice care for comfort and support to people who are terminally ill and have stopped treatment. Others offer respite care for families looking for temporary solutions to support their senior family members.

Unlike other types of old folks' homes, nursing homes have a more clinical setting and are a bit more restrictive toward their residents. They provide possibly the highest level of care outside of a hospital for senior residents with much more elevated care needs.

What are the services of nursing homes in Singapore?

Nursing homes in Singapore generally provide services like long-term nursing care, 24-hour emergency care, and assistance with daily living activities (ADLs). Key home nursing services include the following:

• Skilled nursing care: Daily care provided by medical professionals, including assistance with medication, wound care, and other medical needs.
• Rehabilitation services: Occupational therapy and physiotherapy to help residents maintain or regain mobility and independence.
• Personal nursing care: Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
• Medical care: Access to physicians and consultations based on individual needs.
• Respite care: Temporary care for senior family members, allowing primary caregivers to take a break.
• Palliative and hospice care: Supportive care for terminally ill patients to enhance comfort and quality of life.
• Dementia care: Specialized programs for residents with dementia.
• Home care coordination: Liaison with home care providers for continued support

Other facilities may also offer ambulance services, specialised medical equipment, and access to skilled nursing staff, often at an additional charge.

How much do nursing homes in Singapore cost before subsidies?

On average, monthly fees for nursing homes in Singapore range from $2,000 to $3,600 or more (up to $4,500) before government subsidies. The exact cost often depends on the nursing home’s location, level of care needed, and the type of facility. Generally, nursing homes closer to the city or in areas with higher property values may charge more than those located further out. Private nursing homes tend to charge higher fees due to more extensive facilities and personalised services. In Singapore, nursing homes are categorised as either private or those run by voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs). VWOs often receive subsidies and benefits from the Ministry of Health (MOH).

VWO nursing homes under MOH subsidy

Voluntary Welfare Organisation (VWO) nursing homes operate as non-profit entities and are typically supported by a MOH-funded service provider. Examples of VWO nursing homes include Ren Ci Nursing Home, NTUC Health Nursing Home, and St. Andrew’s Nursing Home. These homes often provide their own financial assistance schemes or affordable rates through subsidies if the senior person cannot afford the fee. Subsidies are calculated based on a means test assessing the household monthly income and the annual value of the home. The senior person must be a Singaporean citizen and a permanent resident. With the subsidies, the cost of VWO nursing homes can be significantly reduced, allowing families of senior residents to pay less out of pocket while still receiving quality nursing home services.

Private Nursing Homes Under MOH Subsidy

Private nursing homes, while generally more expensive than VWOs, may also offer subsidies for eligible residents. Some well-known private nursing homes in Singapore, such as Orange Valley Nursing Home and Pacific Healthcare Nursing Home, provide government-subsidised rates for Singapore citizens and permanent residents who qualify under the means test. Private nursing homes that offer subsidised rates may still have higher monthly fees due to additional services, such as individual rooms, extensive facilities, and access to personal nursing care tailored to each resident’s needs.

How to Reduce the Costs of Nursing Homes in Singapore

Families can take several steps to reduce the cost of nursing homes for senior parents or family members. Since not everyone can afford the hefty fees, government subsidies can help offset a large portion of nursing home costs. Families must go through the means test to determine eligibility. Below are steps you might want to consider to reduce nursing home costs.

1. Apply for subsidies.
2. Explore financial assistance schemes.
3. Consider VWO nursing homes.
4. Look into independent or assisted living options.

How to Get a Nursing Home Subsidy

To qualify for a nursing home subsidy, families must submit a means test, which evaluates the gross income of family members living in the same household and the household’s annual property value. Here is a breakdown of the factors considered in the means test:

• The gross monthly income of the care recipient and his/her direct family
• The complete number of family members residing in the same household
• The yearly/annual value of the place of residence

This test assesses eligibility for various subsidy tiers offered by MOH-funded service providers. Families can apply for the means test with the help of a medical social worker or through the hospital social worker if the resident is currently in a community hospital or medical facility.

What Are Included in the Charges of Nursing Homes?

The fees for nursing homes generally cover basic services such as:

• Accommodation: A bed in a shared or private room, depending on the resident’s preference and the facility’s offerings
• Nursing care: Access to skilled nursing professionals who assist with daily care needs
• Medical equipment fees: Charges for necessary medical equipment, including wheelchairs, oxygen machines, or monitoring devices
• Meal services: Nutritious meals provided for all residents
• Laundry and housekeeping: Basic laundry and room cleaning services

Additional services, such as ambulance services or consultations with medical professionals, may incur extra charges.

What is Assisted Living?

Assisted living facilities cater to seniors who are largely independent but may need some assistance with daily tasks. it is designed for senior residents who can manage basic self-care but might require support with certain tasks or benefit from living in a community. Assisted living is available in Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats or condominium-style residences, where seniors can enjoy a semi-independent lifestyle with access to community support.

How Much Does Red Crowns Assisted Living Cost Before Subsidy?

Red Crowns Assisted Living offers an alternative to traditional nursing homes with more extensive facilities for seniors who need minimal nursing care. Monthly fees at Red Crowns Assisted Living range from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the level of care and the type of accommodation. Like nursing homes, the cost of assisted living may also vary by facility location and room type. Here are the basic rates of Red Crowns Assisted Living before subsidy:

Assisted Living Facility at HDB

Assisted living at HDBs is an affordable option for seniors, providing housing in familiar neighbourhoods with access to daily support services. These facilities are often equipped with safety features, such as grab bars and anti-slip flooring, to help senior residents maintain independence. The cost of assisted living in an HDB is typically lower than that of private nursing homes or assisted living in condominiums, making it a more accessible choice for seniors looking for semi-independent living arrangements.

Assisted Living Facility at Condominium

Assisted living in a condominium environment offers a more private and upscale setting. While these facilities offer a more extensive range of services, they tend to cost significantly more than HDB-based assisted living due to additional facilities and higher property values.

Which One Is More Cost-Effective for Most Seniors?

For seniors who are not terminally ill or do not necessarily require hospice care, assisted living is often the more cost-effective option. Facilities like HDB-assisted living provide essential daily support and a community setting at a lower cost, especially with financial assistance schemes. They have access to medical care and they can still cultivate their skills and talents through various social activities and events. They can also interact with fellow residents in a much bigger living space or communal areas.

Conclusion

Families should be able to explore and evaluate their options for their senior loved ones by understanding the cost of nursing home in Singapore. Discuss available financial assistance schemes and needs with the provider to make informed decisions that balance cost and care quality. Home nursing services or those offered by local nursing homes are more suitable for seniors who are immobile or require a much higher level of care and attention. Assisted living is ideal for more independent seniors, offering affordability without compromising essential services.