Senior day care centres in Singapore
AIC-supported daytime care for seniors who live with family but need structured daytime supervision and activity.
What is it?
Senior Care Centres (also called day-care centres) provide daytime care for seniors with mild-to-moderate care needs. Programme includes structured activities, exercise, meals, basic health monitoring, and (for dementia day care) specialised programming. The senior returns home in the evening.
Who it suits
- Seniors whose family caregiver works during the day
- Seniors with early-to-mid dementia who benefit from social stimulation
- Seniors at risk of social isolation
- Families transitioning between home care and residential care
Find a facility
Central Region (21)
East Region (7)
North Region (6)
North-East Region (15)
West Region (12)
Costs and subsidies
Published fees for AIC-funded Senior Care Centres typically range from S$60–S$120 per day before government support, with dementia day care programmes at the higher end of that range. Transport is usually charged separately at around S$5–S$15 per trip. Many centres also offer half-day or flexible attendance options at proportionally lower fees.
The MOH portable subsidy, allocated through household income per person means-testing, is available for eligible Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents and can reduce daily fees substantially — in some cases to as low as S$5–S$20 per day for lower-income households. Subsidies follow the senior, so you are free to choose any AIC-funded centre regardless of which social service office manages your application.
See our subsidy guide for full details on household income tiers, how to apply through AIC, and how MediSave can be used to offset remaining fees.
Frequently asked questions
Who is day care suitable for?
Seniors who live at home but need structured supervision, rehabilitation, or social engagement during the day — typically while their family caregiver works. Most centres accept seniors with mild to moderate dementia. A centre can conduct an initial assessment to determine whether their programme matches your family member’s care needs.
What happens during a typical day?
A standard day includes group exercise or physiotherapy, two meals, cognitive activities, creative programmes, and personal care assistance such as bathing or medication reminders. Centres offering dementia or stroke rehabilitation will add specialised therapeutic sessions. The senior is usually picked up in the morning and returned home by late afternoon.
Do I need a referral to enrol?
Most AIC-funded Senior Care Centres accept direct self-referrals — you can contact them by phone or through their website. If you are unsure which centre suits your loved one, AIC CareLine (1800‑650‑6060, free call) can advise and facilitate a referral. Hospitals and polyclinics can also refer patients directly on discharge.
How does means-testing for subsidies work?
Subsidy level is based on the household income per person — total gross monthly household income divided by the number of people living together. Singapore Citizens receive higher subsidy rates than Permanent Residents; non-residents are not eligible. You submit supporting documents (payslips, CPF statements, NRIC) to AIC or the centre’s social worker, who processes the application. Reassessment happens every one to three years or when household income changes significantly.
Can a person with dementia attend day care?
Yes — dedicated dementia day care programmes are widely available and are one of the most common uses of Senior Care Centres. These programmes provide cognitive stimulation, a familiar routine, and a safe environment. Be candid about your parent’s current stage and behavioural symptoms when enquiring; centres will advise if their programme is an appropriate fit or recommend a more specialist option.
How does day care compare with hiring a full-time foreign domestic worker?
A foreign domestic worker (FDW) offers round-the-clock presence at home but requires levy payments (S$300–S$450 per month), agency fees, accommodation, and meals — total costs typically exceed S$1,500 per month. Subsidised day care, by contrast, can cost under S$500 per month after means-tested subsidies, and provides professional clinical oversight, structured therapy, and peer socialisation that a domestic worker alone cannot replicate. Many families combine both: day care on weekdays and an FDW for overnight and weekend support.