In recent years, Singapore has surpassed Japan in having the largest ageing population in the world, with citizens aged above 65 years. Our average life expectancy has risen to 83 years.
Unfortunately, with longer life expectancy comes health conditions and disabilities. In fact, one in two Singaporeans is at risk of severe disability at the age of 65. Severe disability is defined as the inability to perform at least three of the six activities of daily living:
- Washing: The ability to wash in the bath or shower, or wash by other means.
- Dressing: The ability to put on, take off, secure, and unfasten garments and medical appliances.
- Feeding: The ability to feed oneself food after it has been prepared.
- Toileting: The ability to use the lavatory or manage bowel and bladder function.
- Walking or Moving Around: The ability to move indoors from room to room.
- Transferring: The ability to move from a bed to an upright chair or wheelchair, and vice versa.
In such cases, round-the-clock professional nursing care and rehabilitation therapies may be required, and that is where nursing homes come in.
Nursing Homes in Singapore
Nursing homes in Singapore are run by either the private sector or social service agencies (SSAs). These long-term residential care homes provide essential services for elderly individuals who are unable to be cared for at home by caregivers or service providers. These services include:
- Assistance with activities of daily living such as showering, toileting, and eating.
- Skilled nursing care and 24/7 supervision.
- Rehabilitation therapies and cognitive stimulation programmes.
However, not everyone is eligible for admission to a nursing home in Singapore. The eligibility criteria include:
- Being physically or mentally disabled due to an illness.
- Facing mobility issues such as being wheelchair-reliant or bedbound.
- Being unable to be cared for at home despite exploring other care options like daycare and home nursing care.
Some nursing homes also provide respite care for caregivers who require short-term support. Additionally, night respite care is available for caregivers of individuals with dementia who exhibit sundowning behaviour, allowing caregivers a break from night-time caregiving duties.
Costs of Nursing Homes in Singapore
Nursing home costs in Singapore range from $1,200 to $4,500 per month, depending on room type and level of care required. Additional variable charges may apply for special, emergency, or necessary services.
Government subsidies from the Ministry of Health (MOH) can help offset 10% to 75% of the monthly fees. To qualify for subsidies, the applicant must:
- Be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident.
- Meet the admission criteria.
- Be receiving care from an MOH-funded service provider.
The subsidy amount depends on the applicant’s financial circumstances.
Choosing a Nursing Home in Singapore
When selecting a nursing home, it is important to ensure that it provides quality care and a comfortable environment for your loved one. Consider these factors:
- Location and Accessibility: Is the nursing home easily accessible? What are the visitation policies?
- Living Environment: Is the home clean, comfortable, and conducive for long-term care?
- Noise Levels: Is the environment peaceful and suitable for elderly residents?
- Food and Hygiene: Are meals prepared hygienically, and can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
- Staffing and Care Quality: Are the caregivers well-trained and attentive? Is there a good caregiver-to-resident ratio?
Insurance Plans for Long-Term Care in Singapore
Even with MOH subsidies, long-term care expenses can be significant. Several insurance plans provide financial support for long-term care and nursing home costs.
CareShield Life
CareShield Life is a national long-term care insurance scheme launched in 2020 to provide better financial protection for individuals with severe disabilities. Benefits include:
- Lifetime coverage.
- Monthly payouts starting from $600 (increasing over time).
- Automatic enrollment for Singaporeans born in 1980 or later upon turning 30.
For Singaporeans born in 1979 or earlier, CareShield Life is optional. Those insured under ElderShield 400 were automatically enrolled in CareShield Life from 1 December 2021, with the option to opt out by 31 December 2023.
Supplementary CareShield Life Plans
To enhance CareShield Life coverage, individuals can purchase CareShield Life Supplements from private insurers. These supplements provide:
- Higher monthly payouts.
- Additional benefits such as lump-sum payouts, caregiver support, and home care benefits.
- Premium payments using MediSave (up to $600 per insured per year).
Personal Accident Insurance for Seniors
Beyond long-term care insurance, personal accident insurance can provide additional protection. Some policies offer coverage for:
- Medical expenses from accidents.
- Mobility aids and home modifications after an accident.
- Daily hospital cash benefits.
- Coverage for infectious diseases common among seniors.
Recommended Insurance Companies Offering CareShield Life Supplements
- Great Eastern – GREAT CareShield
- Offers enhanced monthly payouts for moderate and severe disabilities
- Lifetime coverage with flexible payout options
- Income Insurance – Care Secure
- Provides additional coverage on top of CareShield Life
- Lifetime payouts for severe disability
- Option to use MediSave for premium payments
- AIA – AIA CareShield
- Higher monthly payouts for long-term care
- Waiver of future premiums upon claim approval
- Aviva (now Singlife) – Singlife CareShield Standard & Plus
- Offers both standard and comprehensive coverage for long-term care
- Includes premium waiver benefits
These supplement plans allow policyholders to receive higher payouts and better protection for long-term care needs beyond CareShield Life.
Learn More: Starting The Year Right: Financial Tips For you
Final Thoughts
With Singapore’s ageing population and increasing life expectancy, nursing homes play a vital role in providing long-term care for seniors with severe disabilities. While costs can be high, government subsidies and insurance plans help alleviate financial burdens.
Planning ahead with the right long-term care insurance ensures financial stability and peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. If you have aging family members or are thinking about future care needs, now is the time to explore nursing home options and insurance plans in Singapore.
Add a Comment