Intermediate and Long-Term Care Services for the Elderly

Healthcare services for the elderly can be broadly classified as either residential or community healthcare services. These services are provided by both voluntary welfare organisations (VWO) and private sector operators.

Residential Healthcare Services for the Elderly

The elderly who become frail, sick and bedridden may need residential healthcare facilities when they are unable to care for themselves or be cared for within their own homes. These facilities include:

•  Community Hospitals
•  Chronic Sick Hospitals
•  Nursing Homes 
•  Inpatient Hospice Care 
•  Respite Care

Community Healthcare Services for the Elderly

Many elderly prefer to live in a familiar environment with their family members and friends. However, if the elderly or the family is unable to provide care to the elderly, community healthcare services may be required to help the elderly remain at home.

These community healthcare services may be provided at home or at a centre.

Home based: Healthcare services are provided within the homes of the older persons. They include medical, nursing and palliative care services.

• Home Medical and Home Nursing
• Home Hospice Care Services

Centre based: Healthcare services are provided within a centre. The elderly will attend these centres during the day, usually on a regular basis, but will go back to their own homes for the night. These centres include:

• Day Rehabilitation Centres
• Dementia Day Care Centres
• Psychiatric Day Care Centres and Rehabilitation Homes

To find out more about intermediate and long-term care services, click here.