INTRODUCTION

 

With nearly one in five Singaporeans aged 65 and above, Singapore has one of the largest ageing populations globally. As such, Singaporeans have a higher risk of developing health conditions or disabilities that affect their ability to care for themselves. 

Some elderly Singaporeans may even be at risk of severe disability, which is defined as the inability to do at least three of the following six activities of daily living:

• Washing
• Dressing
• Feeding
• Toileting
• Walking or moving around
• Transferring

In such cases, these seniors will require round-the-clock care and assistance, whether from a family member or a professional caregiver. As a last resort, their loved ones may even consider sending them to a nursing home to ensure they receive the best long-term care possible. 

If you are facing this situation and are considering the possibility of sending your elderly loved one to a nursing home, let us share what you need to know to ensure you select the ideal care option for your family member.

 

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SENDING YOUR LOVED ONE TO A NURSING HOME

 

2.1. Placing Your Loved One In A Nursing Home: When Is It The Right Option?

 

For many, sending their elderly loved one to a nursing home is often a last resort. After all, no one wants their loved ones to reside in unfamiliar surroundings for the long term. There is also the perception among some that turning to such senior care services means abandoning their loved ones. 

However, specific situations may arise where independent living becomes more challenging for the senior, and the family may not have the ability to care for them in a full-time capacity. When this happens, nursing homes may be a valid option to explore.

So, how do you know if it is the right option to send your loved one to a nursing home? They may require long-term elderly care if they fall into the following categories.

 

1. Your Loved One Is Susceptible To Falls And Physical Injuries

 

 

Independent living becomes increasingly challenging as your loved one grows older and their mobility becomes limited. Even simple tasks in the past, such as cleaning and moving about the house, may suddenly be fraught with danger. Any obstacle or wet floors could pose a fall hazard, increasing their risk of falling, which can present a severe, sometimes fatal danger for seniors. In fact, falls account for 40% of injury-related deaths for those aged 60 years and older.

So, if you notice your loved one has recently suffered a fall at home while no one was around, or if you notice frequent bruises, burns, or scrapes, it could be time to consider relocating them to a nursing home. The staff has experience caring for seniors with mobility challenges, and the facilities are designed to minimise fall risks, providing a safe space for them to age gracefully.  

 

2. Your Loved One Requires 24/7 Skilled Medical Care

 

 

If your loved one’s health conditions demand constant and skilled medical attention, it may be time to consider a nursing home. Advanced chronic illnesses, post-operative recovery, or severe mobility issues often require continuous monitoring and specialised care that can be difficult to effectively manage at home.

In that case, a nursing home may be the best environment for them to recuperate. A skilled nursing facility offers round-the-clock access to medical care and supervision in addition to helping with various activities of daily living, providing seniors with unpredictable health issues the care they need and families with additional peace of mind.

 

3. Your Loved One Has Cognitive Health Conditions

 

 

Seniors with complex, progressive cognitive conditions, like dementia, may require nursing home care depending on their conditions and the number of challenges they face. They may need a care home or additional support if their conditions have deteriorated to the point where they can no longer care or groom themselves, endangering their health and safety.

Signs that your loved one with dementia requires a nursing home include:

• A decline in grooming or personal hygiene
• Confusion
• Forgetting to eat or drink
• Forgetting their medications
• Leaving appliances, such as the stove, unattended
• Wandering or getting lost

If your loved one with dementia is feeling isolated, a nursing home can also provide a more social setting for them, allowing for regular structure and interactions with staff and other residents.

 

 

4. Your Loved One Requires Constant Help With Activities Of Daily Living

 

 

Some seniors may be too proud or stubborn to admit to their struggles. But if you notice your elderly loved one has trouble with activities of daily living, causing their hygiene standards to slip, it could be a sign that they require a safer, healthier living environment in the form of a nursing home. The staff at skilled nursing facilities can help with various activities of daily living, and they are often capable of addressing more advanced needs than untrained caregivers can provide.

 

2.2. Admission Criteria For A Nursing Home In Singapore

 

 

Does any of what we shared above sound familiar? In that case, a nursing home may be a suitable option that meets the needs of you and your loved one. However, not every Singaporean who wishes to send their elderly family member to a nursing home is guaranteed a spot.

Due to limited availability in public nursing homes, admission priority goes to seniors with complex nursing care needs or a severe disability requiring specialised assistance beyond the support available at home. Furthermore, if you wish to apply for your loved one to stay in a public nursing home, they must meet the following eligibility criteria.

 

 

If you prefer to opt for private care, you can proceed directly to the nursing home of your choice. However, those interested in applying for a nursing home subsidy will need a referral from a hospital, polyclinic, or medical social worker familiar with your loved one’s conditions and needs. You must also prepare a copy of your loved one’s medical report to facilitate the application. This medical report should include their chest X-ray results and be dated no earlier than six months from the intended admission date. 

Other details to include in the medical report include:

• Behavioural and cognitive symptoms (if applicable)
• Clinical history
• Current functional status
• COVID-19 vaccination details
• Diagnosis
• Drug allergy history (including a list of current medications)
• Required nursing procedures

All applications for subsidised nursing care must be submitted four weeks before the requested admission date. This provides sufficient time for the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) to process the submission and for the nursing home to review and carry out the relevant assessments. On the other hand, private patients can bypass this screening process and arrange admission directly with the nursing home of their choice. 

Please note that your application does not guarantee a placement, as it is still subject to the nursing home’s assessment and bed availability. Additional documents may also be requested to facilitate your application. For more information on the available government subsidies for nursing homes, click here.

However, these eligibility requirements do not apply to private nursing homes. If you prefer to send your loved one to a private care facility, you can arrange a walk-in consultation with your preferred service provider as soon as possible.

 

2.3. The Finances Of Sending Your Loved One To A Nursing Home

 

 

When deciding to send your elderly loved one to a nursing home, the question surrounding the expense may inevitably surface. As nursing homes in Singapore typically provide a higher level of care and have additional facilities, they tend to cost more than other senior care services.

 

Average Nursing Home Costs In Singapore 

 

As your family goes about planning the budget for your loved one’s elderly care, it may be helpful for you to know that the average cost of nursing homes in Singapore can range from S$2,600 to S$3,600 monthly. The fee may even be higher depending on the level of care necessary and the accommodation chosen. 

 

Nursing Home Subsidies Available To Singaporeans

 

Setting aside thousands of dollars monthly for a loved one’s care expenses can be challenging for most families in Singapore. Understanding this concern, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has made nursing home subsidies available to help Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs) offset these costs. Some accredited private facilities, including Orange Valley Nursing Homes, also qualify for these portable subsidy plans.

To qualify for the scheme, your loved one must be a Singapore Citizen or PR currently receiving care from an MOH-funded service provider. Your family will also be subjected to means-testing to determine your loved one’s eligible subsidy amount, with lower-income households granted higher relief under this framework. 

The means-test approach, which is based on Household Means-Testing, takes into account the following:

Either:

• Gross income of the person needing care, their spouse, and all family members living in the same household; and
• Total number of family members living in the same household

Or:

• The annual value of the place of residence for households with no income

If you require further clarification and assistance, the medical social workers or administrative staff of the relevant hospitals and long-term care facilities or AIC can help you with the application.

 

2.4.  Choosing The Right Nursing Home For Your Loved One

 

 

Beyond the finances, you will want to ensure the nursing home you choose can provide a suitable long-term living arrangement for your loved one so that they receive the best care possible. This way, you and your family members can enjoy peace of mind, knowing your loved one is in good hands.

Fortunately, choosing the right nursing home need not be a tedious, drawn-out process, even with the various options available in Singapore. Keep the following considerations in mind during your search to ensure you select a care facility that aligns with your needs and preferences.

 

Factor #1: Accessibility Of The Nursing Home

 

Your constant visitations and support play a significant role in helping your loved one transition more seamlessly into their new care environment. So, consider a nursing home close to where you live to ensure you can visit them more frequently. After all, it is more convenient to schedule a visit to a facility in Simei if you live in Tampines than one in Jurong.

When contemplating the accessibility of the facility, you should also consider its visiting hours. Ideally, the place should offer flexible and longer visiting hours, especially on public holidays and weekends, so you can visit your loved one regularly and provide them with the care and support they need.

 

Factor #2: Condition And Cleanliness Of The Care Environment

 

We recommend scheduling a tour of the facility before finalising your decision. Keep your eyes peeled and pay close attention to the state and cleanliness of the nursing home. In particular, the rooms should be tidy and well-maintained, with sufficient space for each person in a shared room.

During the visit, consider the atmosphere of the care environment, too. Is there sufficient natural lighting throughout the environment? Does the place look clean and tidy and smell pleasant? A warm, inviting, and social atmosphere can help your loved one adjust to their new surroundings better.

Lastly, do not neglect pivotal features such as security and accessibility. Having accessibility features like handrails and wheelchairs can help your loved ones navigate the environment safely and easily. Meanwhile, the facility should offer round-the-clock security and emergency response systems to ensure residents’ safety and prevent them from wandering.

 

Factor #3: Staff Qualification

 

During your tour of the facility, do not hesitate to enquire about the staff’s credentials and training. As the ones responsible for overseeing the residents’ well-being, you need to ensure the staff at the nursing home possesses the relevant training and qualifications to provide quality care for your loved one, especially if your family member has a specific medical condition or disability. 

You should also observe if there are sufficient caregivers to manage the residents. The last thing you want to see is multiple residents asking for assistance but not enough caregivers around to lend a helping hand. Even if the place looks well-staffed, consider asking if the staffing levels remain constant, especially during the evenings and weekends.

 

Factor #4: The Facilities And Services Provided

 

While various nursing homes in Singapore offer a range of facilities and services, you may want to go the extra mile and consider one focused on the holistic well-being and quality of life of its residents. As the community within the place can significantly affect one’s daily life, choosing a facility that strives to foster a sense of belonging in residents and encourage a balanced, active lifestyle for seniors can go a long way in enhancing your loved one’s well-being.

 

Factor #5: Reputation Of The Service Provider

 

Naturally, you want your loved one to enjoy the best care possible. However, if you are unsure where to begin your search, consider perusing reviews or asking friends and family members for recommendations.

A nursing home with a stellar reputation and good word-of-mouth is likely to provide quality care and respect for its residents. In particular, pay attention to what the reviews say about the service provider so you have a better idea of what to expect from your loved one’s stay at the facility.

 

CONCLUSION

 

Sending your elderly loved one to a nursing home can be a challenging decision to make. In fact, it is natural for many to feel anxious and guilty about it, thinking they are abandoning their loved ones. However, this choice may be in the best interest of your family member. With a safe and supportive environment and under the care and supervision of trained caregivers, you can rest easy knowing that your loved one is well-taken care of in their golden years.

If you believe that sending your loved one to a nursing home is the best option, we hope what we shared can help you in the planning process. The essential thing is to discuss this matter with the entire family, including your elderly loved one and anyone involved in their care, to ensure a seamless transition. Avoid rushing your decision, and know you do not have to make this choice alone. 

If you are considering a premium nursing home in Singapore, look no further than Orange Valley. We are committed to making all our residents feel valued, assured, and comfortable in every aspect of care rendered towards them. If you are interested in learning more about our nursing home prices and how to enrol your loved one in our care facilities, do not hesitate to contact us today.