Respite care in Singapore
Short-term residential care to give family caregivers a break. Subsidised under the LTC framework.
What is it?
Respite care provides short-term residential placement (typically 2–4 weeks) at a participating nursing home. The senior receives the same care as a permanent resident; the family caregiver gets time to recover, travel, or attend to other responsibilities.
Who it suits
- Family caregivers approaching burnout
- Caregivers needing to travel for work or family reasons
- Families testing whether residential care is the right next step
Find a facility
Central Region (1)
| Facility | Planning area |
|---|---|
| SALOHealth - Private Home Nursing & Respite Care |
Costs and subsidies
Residential respite at a nursing home is typically charged at S$120–S$220 per day (before subsidies) depending on ward type, while home-based respite sessions generally run S$80–S$180 per visit. After applying the MOH Portable Subsidy, eligible Singapore Citizens in the highest subsidy tier can pay as little as S$20–S$60 per day for nursing home respite. The MOH portable subsidy via household income means-testing is available for eligible Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents — your household's household income per person determines the subsidy tier, and AIC CareLine (1800-650-6060) can help you apply. See our subsidy guide for full details.
Subsidy questions? We have a separate plain-English explainer of MOH subsidies, CareShield Life, MediSave, and household income tiers. Read the subsidy guide →
Frequently asked questions
What is respite care?
Respite care is short-term relief for primary caregivers. It can be residential (a nursing home stay of 1–30 days), day-programme-based (a day care or day hospice slot), or home-based (a professional carer visits the home). The goal is to give family caregivers time to rest, travel, or attend to other responsibilities.
How long can a residential respite stay last?
Most MOH-licensed nursing homes offer residential respite from 1 to 30 days depending on bed availability and the home's policy. Some homes limit stays to 14 days; others can accommodate longer if beds allow. Confirm the maximum duration directly with the facility before booking — and book well ahead during festive seasons when demand is high.
Is respite care subsidised in Singapore?
Yes. Respite stays at MOH-licensed nursing homes and day care centres are eligible for the MOH Portable Subsidy, which is means-tested through the household income per person framework. Singapore Citizens receive higher subsidy rates than Permanent Residents. Call AIC CareLine 1800-650-6060 to check your household's household income tier and confirm eligibility.
How much does residential respite care cost after subsidies?
Before subsidies, nursing home respite typically costs S$120–S$220 per day. After MOH subsidies, eligible Singapore Citizens in the highest subsidy tier may pay as little as S$20–S$60 per day. Home-based respite sessions cost S$80–S$180 before subsidies, with subsidy levels varying by provider and household income tier. Use the subsidy guide to estimate your out-of-pocket cost.
Do I need a referral to arrange respite care?
Not always. Some providers accept self-referrals; others prefer a referral from a GP, polyclinic, or hospital social worker. The Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) can help you identify suitable providers and initiate the referral process at no charge — call 1800-650-6060 or visit aic.sg.
How does respite care compare to permanent nursing home placement?
Respite care is time-limited and designed to support families who remain the primary caregivers at home. It requires no long-term commitment and can be arranged on a one-off basis. Permanent nursing home placement is appropriate when the care needs exceed what the family can provide on an ongoing basis. Many families use a respite stay as a practical trial run before deciding on long-term residential care.