Medical care for institutionalised elderly people in Singapore

Abstract

This study examined physical and financial arrangements for medical care of institutionalised elderly people in Singapore. Chief administrators of all long-term care facilities were interviewed on the existing arrangements for medical care of their residents. Results showed that 66 out of a total of 68 (97%) homes arranged medical care for residents. Of those, 29 homes offered on-site medical care with alternative arrangements when the in-house facilities were not operating. While government-owned homes would pay for all medical costs incurred by their residents, over 48% of voluntary homes and 87% of commercial homes required residents to be financially responsible for their care. The availability of financial support given to residents for payment of medical care was found to be associated with the type of sponsorship of the homes. While there was adequate physical access to medical care, the lack of financial support would pose a potential barrier to use of medical care for institutionalised elderly people.