Palliative care in Singapore- Providing Comfort and Dignity at the End of Life

As we age, our bodies become more vulnerable to illness and disease. For many seniors, this means facing the end of life with complex medical needs and challenges. Palliative care is a type of healthcare that focuses on improving the quality of life for those with serious illnesses.

What is palliative care?

Palliative care is a patient-centered approach that enhances the quality of life for individuals and their families who are facing life-threatening illnesses. Its primary objective is to alleviate physical, psychological, and spiritual pain and suffering through early identification, comprehensive assessment, and appropriate treatment.

Unlike terminal care, palliative care is not limited to end-of-life situations and can be offered to patients of all ages, ranging from infants to the elderly, who have advanced illnesses such as cancer, chronic organ failure, and advanced dementia.

A multidisciplinary team comprising doctors, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals collaborates with a patient’s existing healthcare team to provide comprehensive support. This dedicated care team develops an individualized plan that addresses the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of both patients and caregivers.

Palliative care services can be accessed in various settings, including homes, nursing homes, hospices, specialist clinics, and hospitals, ensuring that patients receive appropriate care wherever they are. Services encompass home care, daycare, inpatient care, and consultative services, catering to the diverse needs of patients and their families.

What does palliative care for seniors involve?

The main goal of palliative care is focused on providing comfort and dignity at the end of life.

Palliative care specialists work with seniors and their families to manage pain and other symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, and shortness of breath. Palliative doctors also help seniors manage with the side effects of medical treatments, fears, and assist the caregivers in navigating challenging medical choices.

They will engage in discussions about the advantages and disadvantages of different treatment options, provide answers to inquiries, and attend to any concerns raised.

Are there other kinds of support for Seniors and their Caregivers?

1) Emotional support

Palliative care providers can offer counseling and other emotional support to both the senior and their family members.

2) Spiritual and cultural support

Palliative care teams can provide spiritual and cultural support tailored to the senior’s individual beliefs and needs.

3) Care coordination

Palliative care teams can help coordinate care with other healthcare providers to ensure that the senior’s needs are met and advise on matters such as home help and financial support.

How can seniors access palliative care in Singapore?

Seniors in Singapore can access palliative care through a range of healthcare providers, including hospitals, hospices, and home healthcare services.

For seniors who prefer to receive care in the comfort of their homes, a nurse will be assigned to do home visits. You can view the options below:

• MWS Home Care & Hospice
• Singapore Cancer Society
• St Andrew’s Community Hospital
• Assisi Hospice
• Dover Park Hospice
• Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore)
• HA Hospice Limited
• Metta Hospice Care
• Tsao Foundation (Hua Mei Mobile Clinic)

For seniors who require more extensive support by healthcare experts 24/7, these are some in-patient options:

• Alexandra Hospital (Acute supportive and palliative care services, no IHPCS)
• Ren Ci Hospital
• SingHealth Community Hospitals (comprised of Bright Vision Hospital, Sengkang Community Hospital & Outram Community Hospital)
• St Andrew’s Community Hospital
• St Luke’s Hospital
• Yishun Community Hospital
• Assisi Hospice
• Dover Park Hospice
• St Joseph’s Home (Only general palliative care)

Is there any funding I can tap on?

The government provides funding to support palliative care services in hospitals, hospices, and community settings. This considers the per capita monthly income of the household to establish the extent of financial assistance provided. Besides the subsidy from the government, patients also have the option to utilize their Medisave funds for palliative care services.

Palliative care can be a valuable resource for seniors in Singapore who are facing serious illness and the end of life. With government support and a range of healthcare providers offering palliative care services, seniors and their families can find comfort and dignity in their final days.