Home Nursing in Singapore: Professional Medical Care in the Comfort of Home
Home Nursing Singapore refers to professional medical care delivered at home by licensed nurses. It is an essential healthcare solution for individuals who are elderly, chronically ill, recovering from surgery, or unable to travel to clinics or hospitals. These services bring hospital-grade clinical care into the comfort of a patient’s home—reducing stress, cost, and the risk of hospital-acquired infections. Home nursing allows patients to recover or manage their conditions with privacy, dignity, and professional attention.
Why Home Nursing is Gaining Popularity in Singapore
With Singapore’s aging population and increasingly busy households, home nursing is becoming a preferred option. More families are turning to home-based nursing to avoid long hospital stays, frequent clinic visits, and the emotional toll of institutional care. Seniors, in particular, benefit from personalized attention in a familiar environment, leading to improved comfort, safety, and recovery outcomes. Whether for short-term procedures or long-term management of chronic conditions, home nursing offers flexibility and peace of mind to both patients and families.
Who Can Benefit from Home Nursing?
Home nursing services are ideal for: elderly individuals with mobility issues or multiple health conditions; patients recovering from surgery or hospital discharge; individuals with wounds, catheters, or feeding tubes; stroke survivors needing monitoring and support; patients with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, or COPD; terminally ill individuals requiring palliative care. Home nursing is also a practical solution for caregivers who need professional help or temporary relief from their responsibilities.
Common Home Nursing Services in Singapore
1. Wound Dressing and Management
Nurses provide sterile wound care for surgical sites, pressure sores, diabetic ulcers, and infected wounds. They monitor healing, apply dressings, and report complications to physicians when needed.
2. Medication Administration
Home nurses administer injections (e.g., insulin, antibiotics), manage IV drips, and ensure patients take oral medications correctly and on time.
3. Tube and Catheter Care
Includes insertion, cleaning, replacement, and monitoring of nasogastric (NGT), PEG tubes, urinary catheters, and stoma bags.
4. Post-Hospitalization Recovery
After discharge, nurses help with follow-up care such as vital signs monitoring, surgical wound care, drain removal, and rehabilitation coordination.
5. Vital Signs and Health Monitoring
Nurses regularly check blood pressure, blood sugar, oxygen levels, temperature, and pulse to detect any health deterioration early.
6. Palliative and End-of-Life Nursing
Home nurses support terminally ill patients through pain management, symptom relief, and emotional care, ensuring comfort during final stages of life.
7. Caregiver Education
Nurses also educate family caregivers on administering medication, recognizing warning signs, and handling day-to-day care responsibilities.
Benefits of Home Nursing Services
Comfort and Familiarity
Receiving care at home reduces anxiety and supports emotional well-being, especially for elderly or dementia patients who may feel disoriented in hospitals.
Personalized, One-on-One Attention
Unlike in clinics or wards, home nurses focus on a single patient, delivering individualized care based on the patient’s specific health condition and lifestyle.
Reduced Hospital Visits
With home nursing, families can avoid unnecessary hospital trips, long waiting times, and the cost of repeated outpatient visits.
Improved Recovery Outcomes
Research shows that patients often heal faster and more effectively in their own homes where they feel more secure and relaxed.
Lower Risk of Infections
Being cared for at home reduces exposure to hospital-acquired infections—a critical benefit for seniors or immunocompromised patients.
Family Involvement
Families remain engaged in the care process, leading to better communication, coordination, and emotional support for the patient.
Cost of Home Nursing in Singapore
Pricing for home nursing depends on the type and duration of care provided, as well as the nurse’s qualifications. Below is a general guide:
Service | Estimated Cost |
---|---|
Basic Nursing Visit (1–2 hours) | $80 – $150 per visit |
Advanced Procedures (e.g., IV, catheter, NGT) | $120 – $200 per session |
Overnight Nursing (10–12 hours) | $180 – $280 per night |
24-Hour Nursing (Live-in care) | $6,000 – $10,000/month |
Additional fees may apply for emergency visits, public holiday service, or specialized procedures.
Government Subsidies and Financial Assistance
1. Home Caregiving Grant (HCG)
Provides $250/month to eligible patients with moderate disability. Can be used to offset home nursing or caregiver costs.
2. MOH Subsidies via AIC
Means-tested subsidies for home nursing services coordinated through Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) and approved providers.
3. CareShield Life and ElderShield
Monthly payouts available for individuals who are unable to perform at least three Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Payouts can help fund long-term nursing support.
4. MediSave for Chronic Disease Management
Certain chronic disease-related home nursing services may be claimable under MediSave for eligible patients.
How to Choose the Right Home Nursing Provider
Licensing and Qualifications
Ensure the provider employs nurses registered with the Singapore Nursing Board (SNB) and adheres to MOH regulations.
Experience with Specific Conditions
Ask if the nurse has prior experience with your specific needs, such as post-surgery care, diabetes management, dementia, or palliative support.
Flexibility and Availability
The provider should offer adaptable schedules, including same-day or emergency care options.
Infection Control Standards
Verify that nurses follow strict hygiene practices and wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when needed.
Transparent Pricing
Check for detailed service breakdowns and avoid hidden charges. Choose providers with clear package rates or hourly pricing.
Reviews and Referrals
Read client testimonials or ask for referrals to understand the provider’s reliability, responsiveness, and care quality.
Home Nursing Services with iKare Home
At iKare Home, we offer trusted and professional home nursing services in Singapore tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Whether for short-term recovery or long-term care, our team of registered nurses delivers skilled medical support with empathy, professionalism, and precision. Our services include wound care and dressing changes, IV medication and injections, NGT and catheter care, post-surgical nursing, chronic illness monitoring, and palliative and end-of-life care. Every iKare nurse undergoes continual training and supervision, ensuring clinical excellence and peace of mind for your family. We also work with you to coordinate care plans with your doctor and apply for available subsidies through AIC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a doctor’s referral for home nursing?
A doctor’s referral is not always necessary for private services, but is required for subsidy applications through AIC or CareShield Life claims. A care assessment can help determine what services you need.
Are home nurses allowed to administer injections or IVs?
Yes. Registered nurses are trained and licensed to administer injections, IV medications, insulin, and monitor for side effects or reactions.
How quickly can home nursing be arranged?
In most cases, services can start within 24 to 72 hours of inquiry. Emergency cases may be expedited based on availability.
Is home nursing available on weekends and holidays?
Yes. Many providers, including iKare Home, offer 7-day service coverage. Advance booking is recommended for weekend or holiday appointments.
Can I get the same nurse each time?
Where possible, we assign the same nurse for continuity. However, in cases of unavailability, we ensure all replacements are equally qualified and briefed.
Final Thoughts
Home nursing in Singapore is a reliable and compassionate option for families who want to provide medical care for their loved ones—without the stress of hospitalisation or long-term facilities. Whether you need clinical support after surgery, regular nursing visits for chronic illness, or comfort care in the final stages of life, home nursing offers professional attention in the most personal setting—your home. At iKare Home, we’re committed to providing personalized, expert nursing care that puts your family’s health, safety, and comfort first. Contact us today to learn how we can support your home care journey.