Singapore Plans Permanent Care Posts to Support Seniors

The Singaporean government has announced plans to establish permanent posts for home personal care services in areas with a high density of seniors. This initiative aims to alleviate the burden on caregivers, as articulated by Health Minister Ong Ye Kung during a media briefing on August 24. Currently, around 6,000 families benefit from home personal care, which assists seniors with daily activities.

The new initiative, part of the broader Age Well Neighbourhoods programme, was first introduced during the National Day Rally. As Minister Ong explained, these permanent posts will enable care teams to be stationed within communities, allowing them to provide support beyond regular office hours. “In an emergency, they can be the first responder,” he noted, emphasizing the potential for significant relief for caregivers.

Although details on staffing for these posts remain unclear, Ong mentioned that the government has recently increased subsidies and support for long-term care, including home personal care. More families are expected to benefit from upcoming fee reductions next year. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted in his National Day Rally speech that the Age Well Neighbourhoods initiative will initially launch in Toa Payoh, alongside one or two other senior-dense areas.

Expanding Community-Based Care Services

The Age Well Neighbourhoods initiative aims to enhance accessibility to healthcare services and expand home-based support for seniors. It represents a strategic response to the challenges posed by Singapore’s rapidly ageing population. This initiative will complement existing solutions, such as community care apartments—public housing designed for seniors that incorporates on-site care and supportive services.

Minister Ong outlined additional components of the initiative, including the expansion of active ageing centres that will engage seniors more deeply within their communities. These centres will use common spaces in Housing and Development Board (HDB) estates and parks, promoting social interaction and physical activity. Furthermore, community health posts will deploy teams of healthcare professionals weekly to provide ongoing care for recently discharged patients.

According to Ong, the Ministry of National Development and the Ministry of Transport will also work on enhancing the physical environment to better accommodate seniors. “Instead of spreading all these initiatives thinly around the island, we feel it is more effective to consolidate them in communities with a high density of seniors,” he stated. This integrated approach aims to transform those communities into Age Well Neighbourhoods.

Long-Term Vision for Senior Care

Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat announced that approximately 200 community care apartments will be launched in Toa Payoh next year. These senior-friendly HDB flats will feature community spaces designed for socialization and exercise, supported by on-site staff available around the clock to address residents’ care needs.

The long-term strategy for the Age Well Neighbourhoods initiative includes plans for a nationwide rollout, following the pilot projects in Toa Payoh and other areas. Ong emphasized the importance of learning from these initial implementations to improve future efforts. He clarified that areas with higher concentrations of seniors will be prioritized for these developments, while neighbourhoods with a mix of younger families will receive ongoing support through active ageing centres and community health posts without major consolidation.

The Ministry of Health has consistently focused on preventive care and population health, aiming to shift the centre of gravity for healthcare away from hospitals and clinics and into community settings. This strategic move is intended to foster a more sustainable and supportive environment for Singapore’s ageing population.