Home Care Services for Elderly in Singapore: A Complete Guide for Families

Home Care Services For Elderly Singapore: Singapore is one of the fastest-aging societies in Asia, with nearly one in four Singaporeans projected to be aged 65 and above by 2030. As seniors live longer, many families face the complex task of ensuring their elderly loved ones receive proper care—while maintaining their independence and quality of life.

This is where home care services for elderly in Singapore come into play. These services provide professional assistance and support in the comfort of one’s home, allowing seniors to continue living safely, independently, and with dignity.

Whether you are exploring short-term support after a hospital stay or long-term care for an aging parent, this guide covers everything you need to know about elderly home care in Singapore.

What Are Home Care Services for the Elderly?

Home care services refer to a range of professional caregiving and medical services delivered at home. They are designed to support seniors who may have difficulty managing daily activities due to aging, illness, disability, or post-hospitalization recovery.

Home care is non-institutional and customizable, offering seniors a way to age in place with professional help that ranges from personal care to skilled nursing and companionship.

Types of Home Care Services for the Elderly in Singapore

1. Personal Care Services

These services support seniors with basic daily living tasks:

• Bathing and hygiene

• Toileting and incontinence care

• Dressing and grooming

• Mobility assistance

• Feeding support

Ideal for: Seniors with mobility challenges or those recovering from illness or surgery.

2. Home Nursing Services

Delivered by trained nurses, these services are medical in nature and may include:

• Wound dressing

• Injections and IV drips

• Medication administration

• Tube feeding (NGT/PEG)

• Catheter care

• Monitoring of chronic conditions

Ideal for: Seniors with complex medical needs or post-hospital care.

3. Home Therapy Services

Therapists visit the home to provide:

• Physiotherapy

• Occupational therapy

• Speech therapy

Ideal for: Stroke recovery, fall prevention, or regaining mobility.

4. Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care

Specialized caregivers trained in dementia care offer:

• Behavioral support

• Memory activities

• Safety monitoring

• Emotional reassurance

Ideal for: Seniors living with dementia or cognitive decline.

5. Companionship Services

Non-medical support that includes:

• Conversation and social interaction

• Help with reading or hobbies

• Accompaniment for walks or appointments

Ideal for: Seniors who live alone and are at risk of social isolation.

6. Respite Care

Temporary care that gives the family caregiver a break:

• Hourly, overnight, or short-term stays

• Can be medical or non-medical

Ideal for: Caregivers needing time off or dealing with emergencies.

Benefits of Home Care for Seniors in Singapore

Choosing home care offers several advantages over institutional care:

1. Comfort of Familiar Environment

Seniors feel more secure, relaxed, and emotionally supported when they remain in their own homes.

2. Personalized Attention

Care is tailored to individual routines, preferences, and medical needs.

3. Family Involvement

Loved ones can stay actively involved in care planning and day-to-day support.

4. Lower Risk of Hospital Readmission

Proper home care can help prevent complications, manage medication adherence, and ensure post-discharge recovery.

5. Cost-Effective for Long-Term Care

Compared to private nursing homes, some home care services may offer more affordable options, especially when subsidies are applied.

Cost of Elderly Home Care Services in Singapore

Costs vary depending on the type, duration, and frequency of care.

Government Subsidies and Support

Eligible Singaporean seniors and families may receive financial assistance through:

• Home Caregiving Grant ($250/month)

• Subsidies via Agency for Integrated Care (AIC)

• Pioneer and Merdeka Generation subsidies

• FDW Levy Concession for families employing live-in caregivers

• CareShield Life payouts for severe disability

These can significantly reduce the financial burden of long-term home care.

When Should You Consider Home Care for Your Elderly Loved One?

Here are common signs that indicate a need for professional home care:

• Frequent falls or mobility issues

• Difficulty with basic hygiene or daily activities

• Worsening memory or confusion (e.g., dementia)

• Recent hospitalization or surgery

• Inability to manage medication or chronic illnesses

• Primary caregiver fatigue or unavailability

Being proactive with home care services can improve the senior’s quality of life and ease the burden on family members.

How to Choose a Reliable Home Care Provider in Singapore

Selecting the right home care agency is crucial. Here’s what to consider:

1. Accreditation and Licensing

Ensure the agency is licensed by the Ministry of Health and follows professional care standards.

2. Qualified Caregivers

Caregivers should be trained in eldercare, basic medical support, and emergency response.

3. Tailored Care Plans

Services should be customizable based on medical history, lifestyle, and family preferences.

4. Transparency in Pricing

A good provider offers clear pricing with no hidden costs and flexible packages.

5. Client Feedback

Check online reviews, testimonials, or ask for referrals to gauge reliability and satisfaction.

How iKare Home Supports Elderly Care in Singapore

At iKare Home, we understand that every senior has unique needs. Our home care services are designed to deliver dignified, professional, and compassionate care, allowing elderly clients to age safely and comfortably in their own homes.

Our Services Include:

• Personal care assistance

• Home nursing and post-hospital support

• Dementia care

• Live-in and part-time caregivers

• Therapy referrals and medical coordination

We work closely with families to create customized care plans, and our caregivers undergo regular training and supervision to uphold high standards of service.

Whether your loved one needs basic help with daily tasks or advanced medical supervision, iKare Home offers peace of mind through quality care—right where it matters most.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I know if my elderly parent needs home care?

If your parent is struggling with daily tasks (bathing, eating, dressing), showing signs of confusion or memory loss, or recovering from a medical procedure, it may be time to consider home care.

Are home care services only for bedbound seniors?

No. Home care services are for any senior who needs assistance, including those who are mobile but need help with household tasks, medication, or companionship.

How soon can services begin?

Depending on the provider, services can usually start within 24 to 72 hours after an assessment. Urgent care may be available for special situations.

Is there financial help for home care in Singapore?

Yes. Subsidies are available through AIC, the Home Caregiving Grant, and other government schemes for eligible citizens or PRs. Agencies like iKare Home can guide you through the application process.

Can I hire a live-in caregiver through a home care agency?

Yes. Many agencies provide trained live-in caregivers, either directly or in partnership with licensed maid agencies. They assist with daily living and, in some cases, basic medical care.

Final Thoughts

Providing the best care for an aging loved one doesn’t mean placing them in a nursing home. With home care services for elderly in Singapore, seniors can enjoy the safety, familiarity, and dignity of staying at home—while still receiving the professional support they need.

Whether it’s a few hours of help per day or 24/7 live-in care, iKare Home is here to support you at every step. Our goal is to make home care simple, accessible, and most importantly—personal.