As the population ages, Singapore is broadening the ways seniors can be cared for, with a focus on ageing in the community rather than in institutions. On December 10, the Government approved a shared stay-in model, where several seniors can live together and receive support for daily tasks, meals, housekeeping, and social activities from caregivers.
“This option gives seniors an alternative to nursing homes, especially if they still want to live in a community setting but need some help with daily living,” said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung at the fifth anniversary of St Luke’s ElderCare’s Residential-based Services.
Mr Ong emphasized that seniors should be able to move between different care settings without long delays or red tape. One approach is forming integrated community care provider schemes in sub-regions to better coordinate care.
Improving Nursing Homes
Nursing homes are for seniors who need more intensive medical care. Singapore is increasing nursing home capacity from over 20,000 beds today to 31,000 beds by 2030. At the same time, there is a push to make these spaces feel more homely.
SLEC’s nursing home in Ang Mo Kio, for example, has communal areas with wooden furniture and a wall of books, reminiscent of 1960s Housing Board living rooms. “Our goal is to support seniors in leading active and independent lives in the community wherever possible,” Mr Ong said.
Assisted Living and Shared Stay-In Services
Assisted living supports seniors who can live independently with some help for bathing, dressing, or medication. Singapore is piloting small-group assisted living through the Shared Stay-In Senior Caregiving Services, which can be set up in HDB flats, condominiums, or landed homes.
The pilot, launched in 2023 with five companies, served 232 clients by September 2025. Caregiving staff may live on-site or work in shifts, depending on the operator. More companies can now join with support, like additional foreign worker quotas.
Community Care Apartments and Home Care
Community care apartments pair senior-friendly public housing with on-site care. Seniors aged 65 or older can lease flats for 15 to 35 years, covering them until age 95. Since 2021, five such HDB developments have been launched, with more planned.
For seniors living at home, care may come from family, domestic workers, or professional providers offering home visits, meal delivery, rehabilitation, and personal care services. Mr Ong said MOH will expand the Home Personal Care service from early 2026, ensuring seniors can continue living independently with support.
Building a Seamless System
The Health Information Bill, to be tabled in Parliament in January, will allow data sharing across clinical and community care providers. This ensures seniors can receive smooth, coordinated care, whether at home, in assisted living, or in nursing homes.
Singapore is clearly aiming to give seniors more choices, maintain independence, and create a care system that grows with their needs.
