Did you know that nearly 40% of caregivers experience high levels of stress due to the demands of their caregiving role?1
Caring for an elderly family member is a wonderful way to show your love, but even the most dedicated caregivers need an occasional break to avoid burnout.
By choosing the right respite care solutions, you can transform your caregiving experience, and receive essential support when you need it most.
What is Respite Care?
Respite care is a service that provides short-term relief for primary caregivers, allowing them to take a break from caregiving.
The care may last anywhere from a few hours up to a month at a time, and can take place in an assisted living facility, nursing home, senior day care centre, or even at home.
During this period, caregivers can rest and attend to other responsibilities with peace of mind, knowing that their elderly loved ones are receiving quality care in a safe environment.
How Can Respite Care Help?
Taking regular breaks from caregiving is essential for your well-being and can help prevent caregiver burnout. Respite care gives you the freedom to step away for a while and recharge, before returning to your caregiving role.
Here are some situations where respite care can make a difference:
When You're Unwell and Need Time to Recover
Getting sick is tough for anyone, but it's even more challenging when you're a caregiver.
Respite care enables you to take the time you need to rest and heal while ensuring your loved one continues to receive quality care. It's important to remember that a healthier caregiver is a better caregiver, and that taking care of your health should always be a priority.
When You're Feeling Overwhelmed and Need a Break
While it's often said that love means sacrifice, neglecting your well-being doesn't benefit anyone in the long run. Caregiving can be both physically and emotionally draining. Without regular breaks, your health can take a hit.
Respite care offers you some much-needed timeout, allowing you to rest and focus on yourself for a while. By doing so, you enable a more loving and healthy relationship between you and your loved one.
When You Have to Travel and Need Someone to Look After Your Loved One
Whether it's for work or a much-needed vacation, travelling can be difficult when you're the primary caregiver for an elderly person.
Respite care provides the temporary support your loved one needs, ensuring there's no disruption to their care during your absence. This allows you to travel worry-free, knowing they are in good hands.
When Your Loved One Needs Extra Care After a Hospital Stay
Caring for your loved ones while they recover from surgery can be labour-intensive. Sometimes, their need for support may turn even the simplest tasks, like going out for groceries, into a challenge.
Respite care can be a lifeline in situations like this, providing professional support to take some weight off your shoulders, and allowing you to catch your breath.
Types of Respite Care Solutions Available
Respite care comes in many forms to cater to different needs. Here are some of the most common types:
Respite Care in Assisted Living Facilities
In assisted living, seniors are offered a temporary stay in a supportive, home-like residential setting.
Typically, seniors will incur a daily rent for a private or shared room, along with an additional fee based on the level of care they require. This type of care allows for weekend and overnight stays that can last up to a month, making it a suitable option if you need to be out of town or are looking for a longer break.
Senior Day Care Programmes
Senior day care centres provide a safe environment for older adults to engage in social activities and receive care during the day. It's a popular respite option for caregivers seeking a break to focus on their work day.
Nursing Home Respite Care
This respite care option involves a short-term stay in a nursing home, that typically ranges from a few weeks to up to a month.
It is an ideal solution if your loved one requires round-the-clock monitoring and professional nursing care. You can learn more about your loved one's eligibility for this service here.
Home Care Respite
With home care respite, professional caregivers bring personalised support to your doorstep.
Services can be scheduled for as little as an hour, at a time that suits your convenience. This makes it a flexible option that allows you to take a break whenever you need it.
How Much Does Respite Care Cost in Singapore?
When considering respite care for your loved ones, it's important to understand the costs involved so you can budget accordingly.
The rates listed below reflect the average costs for basic respite services in Singapore. Do note that prices can vary among providers, and additional charges, such as administration fees and transport costs, may apply.
Respite Care Option | Average Cost (Before Subsidies) |
Nursing Home | $100 - $150 per day |
Home Care | $25 per hour |
Senior Day Care | $945 - $1,575 per month |
Assisted Living | $80 - $120 per day |
Source: Agency of Integrated Care (AIC), Singapore
Subsidies for Respite Care
Subsidies can significantly lower the costs of these services, by up to 80% for eligible individuals. To find out if your loved one is eligible, visit our subsidies for more information.
Find Your Perfect Fit: NTUC Health's Personalised Respite Care Options
NTUC Health offers comprehensive respite care solutions, each offering unique benefits and catering to different needs and circumstances.
Whether you need a quick break or a longer getaway, we're here to help you find the best fit for your needs.
Independent Living at Staycay@hendersonhome
Imagine a cosy retreat nestled within a charming residential neighbourhood, where your loved one can enjoy hotel-like service, and receive the care they need. If that sounds perfect to you, Staycay@hendersonhome may be the respite care option you're looking for.
What is Staycay@hendersonhome?
Staycay@hendersonhome is a short-term assisted living arrangement for independent seniors who need minimal support for daily activities.
Our accommodations are designed to feel like home, welcoming our residents into an environment that is comforting and familiar to them. Overnight bookings are available for a few days, up to a month to enable their caregivers to take a longer break.
What to Expect at Staycay@hendersonhome
For $80 to $120 a night, residents can enjoy a fully furnished single room or a shared twin room, designed for comfort and relaxation. They'll also have access to a communal kitchen, and two lobbies where they can interact with others.
We also provide daily housekeeping and laundry services, with a 24/7 on-site nursing aide available for any emergencies. For those who need a little extra care, additional services like home nursing and home care are available to ensure comprehensive support.
In addition to board games and TV, we organise weekly exercise sessions to keep our residents active. They're also welcome to explore the lovely neighbourhood or grab a bite at the nearby food centre just 50 metres away. For those who prefer dining in, we can arrange for meals at an additional fee.
Unlike the more structured care in traditional senior facilities, this setup is perfect for independent seniors who value their autonomy while enjoying the care of a supportive community.
For more information about Staycay@HendersonHome, call us at 8223 1135 or 9728 8772.
NTUC Health Senior Day Care for Daytime Respite
If your loved one enjoys getting out of the house and interacting with others, our senior day care centres are a great respite option.
They'll spend the day in a fun and supportive environment, enjoying activities like arts and crafts, karaoke, and exercise programmes. Our trained staff will be there to assist with daily tasks, while also taking care of their nutrition and basic nursing needs.
This way, you can focus at work, knowing your loved one is safe and having a great time. To enrol in our senior day care services, call us at 6715 6715.
NTUC Health Nursing Home for Intensive Short-Term Care
Our award-winning nursing homes offer short-term respite care, providing up to a month of support for seniors with more intensive care needs.
During their stay, your loved one will receive the same 24/7 skilled care as our permanent residents, including medication management, nutritious meals, social activities, rehabilitation, and assistance with daily tasks.
To learn more about our nursing homes, contact us via the form below.
NTUC Health Home Care for Convenient Support When You Need It
Need a few hours to yourself? Let our professional caregivers take over while you relax.
With home care services, we'll come to you and assist your loved one with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, meal prep, and medication reminders. Should they require additional support, we also offer home nursing and home therapy services, saving you the hassle of travelling to a clinic or hospital for care.
Take the first step towards a more balanced caregiving experience with NTUC Health's respite services. Complete the online form below to enrol, and give yourself the break you deserve!
Contact Us
Get in touch to find out how we can help by dropping us a note here!
