By Red Crowns (guest contributor)
Aging can be a difficult process for some people, especially those who become terminally ill or are physically or mentally disabled. The complications brought about by the changes in their minds and bodies can render them helpless and unable to care for themselves. And unfortunately, not all children of elderly parents are capable of looking after them every second of every day. Some of them have jobs and their own families to take care of.
Fortunately, there are nursing homes.
Nursing homes provide a much higher level of care compared to nursing home alternatives like Assisted Living but are more toned down compared to hospitals. Seniors who demand around-the-clock care, supervision, assistance, and professional medical care are suitable for this type of elderly care facility. But given the extent of nursing home services, it’s safe to say that it is going to be quite costly.
If you are moving your elderly loved one into a nursing home, learn what to expect by finding out about its costs and inclusions.
What are nursing home services?
As previously mentioned above, a nursing home offers a variety of services directed towards providing a healthier and more comfortable life for the elderly. Seniors who are severely ill, disabled, and are no longer cared for by their family members are accepted in this facility.
Nursing homes enable seniors to have easy access to quality medical care without having to go to the hospital. There are nurses, doctors, and medical social workers to check on them regularly. Furthermore, they can reside in private rooms and also engage in activities where they can interact with other elderly residents.
Here is a breakdown of nursing home services:
- Long-term nursing care
- 24-hour emergency care and monitoring
- Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) as well as laundry and housekeeping
- Private single bedrooms
- Medication management and administration (with the help of a nurse or a medical social worker)
- Daily meals (with meal options meeting the nutritional requirements and unique dietary needs of each resident)
- Specialized rehabilitative services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, cognitive therapy, and vocational therapy sessions
- Emergency and routine dental services
How much do nursing homes in Singapore cost?
The estimated monthly fees of nursing homes in Singapore range between $1,200 to $3,500, before government subsidy. The cost may vary depending on the type of room the care recipient avails and the scope of services that he or she may require. Private single-bed rooms with their bathrooms are typically more expensive.
Below is the list of various nursing homes in Singapore and their consequent charges (before subsidy):
What are the inclusions in nursing home charges?
Nursing homes offer professional nursing and medical care for seniors. Compared to other types of old folks’ homes, a nursing home has a more clinical setting and is more focused on providing quality healthcare for the safety and comfort of the elderly.
Here are the basic inclusions of the monthly charges of a nursing home:
- Around-the-clock caregiving duties (personal care like assistance with feeding, dressing, bathing, going to the toilet, etc.)
- Skilled and integrated nursing care
- Medical management and administration (including injections)
- Medical equipment fees (oxygen tanks, respirators, IV, etc.)
- Doctor fees
- Daily meals
- Rooms
- 24-hour emergency care and monitoring
- Rehabilitative activities
How to reduce nursing home charges?
Moving into a nursing home can be really expensive. Although the costs are justified by the services provided, not everyone has the luxury to pay for them every month (especially seniors from lower-income households). With that said, certain measures have been implemented to provide financial support to the elderly: financial schemes, government subsidies, and considering other types of senior care facilities.
By applying for the aforementioned systems, seniors can gain access to a better quality of life without having to worry about their finances. They will significantly reduce the expenses and enable the family members of the care recipients to feel secured knowing that they can provide better care for their loved ones.
However, if your elderly parents do not necessarily require specialized care that can be found in nursing homes, try looking into other options. There are other facilities where seniors can receive around-the-clock care and medical assistance such as assisted living. But the difference is that in assisted living, they have more freedom and independence because the rules aren’t as restrictive as the ones in a nursing home.
Furthermore, assisted living in Singapore is relatively cheaper compared to the rates of nursing homes. So in a way, you are cutting down your expenses while your aging loved ones are still receiving an extensive form of care and support.