End-of-life Care Options In Singapore

As Singapore’s population ages, demand for end of life care will increase and it is good to know our options when we do require such a service one day, be it for ourselves or for our loved ones. 

As we age, we have to accept that our physical bodies are not as strong anymore and sometimes just a fall can have serious repercussions. We are not new to the three highs in Singapore - high cholesterol, high blood pressure and high blood sugar. These highs can be attributed mostly to diet and often, it is due to an overconsumption of food, beyond what the body really needs, coupled with a sedentary lifestyle in Singapore. Most of us also do not go for regular health checkups and by the time an illness is diagnosed due to a glaring symptom, curing the ailment might not be an option anymore.

Aging often brings along a whole set of issues not just physically, but emotionally as well. The loss of autonomy due to mobility and the loss of a job causes loss of identity which can be mentally torturing for most older folks, especially if they are not mentally prepared for such changes.

For those who are diagnosed with a terminal illness, there are 3 main options for care namely:

1. Hire domestic helpers (probably on shift work)

Did you know that you can now hire male foreign worker to help take care of an aging person in Singapore? You do however need a letter from the doctor to explain why a male is needed for caregiving responsibilities. One domestic helper would cost minimally $600 in monthly wages excluding the levy fee. In totality, one helper would add up to about a thousand odd dollars. One family can only hire one domestic helper with the numbers of helpers staying in the same household capped at two. Anything more than this would require an appeal to the Ministry of Manpower, stating clearly the reasons for hiring another helper in the same household, with proof that you can sustain her wages monetarily and provide her with a proper stay. If mobility is an issue, you might need more than one helper to be on rotational shift to assist you with caregiving. Do note that helpers do not come with expertise in medical health.

2. Get a medically trained nurse

Medically trained nurse wages start from about $3,800 per month and if you need 24/7 care, you need at least two nurses. That would add up to about $7,000 per month, which is not something most families can afford. The good thing is these nurses are medically trained and can care for you the way you need to be cared for.

3. Check into a nursing home 

This is by far the most cost-effective solution if special medical expertise is needed although it is far from home and most older people do not like it.

If you are still healthy and just want a community to live together, you can consider Community Care Apartments which is an assisted living public housing concept implemented by the government in Singapore very recently. These public houses come with integrated care services like meal delivery and the houses are fitted with certain fixtures like grab bars to ensure that it is friendly for elders. This is actually like an Airbnb where you can meet like-minded individuals and do activities together. 

End-of-life care planning is a paramount step in making sure that you get the care you want to exit from the world eventually. Aging is a natural part of life and the earlier we accept it and start to prepare for it, the easier it is for us when time really comes. Call us now at +65 94892424 for more information.