Home Care vs Nursing Home: Which Is Better for Your Loved One in Singapore?

Choosing between home care and a nursing home is one of the most emotionally difficult decisions families in Singapore face. It is not just about cost or convenience—it is about your loved one’s safety, dignity, comfort, and your family’s physical and emotional capacity to cope long term.

This guide is written to help families understand a crucial truth:

You do not have to choose between professional care and home comfort.
With the right caregiver, nursing-home–level care can be provided at home.

This article breaks down the care, lifestyle, emotional, and practical differences between home care and nursing homes—so you can make a confident, informed decision that works for your family.

You Are Not Alone: Why This Decision Feels Overwhelming

When a parent or elderly loved one starts needing daily help, families often experience:

• Constant worry

• Physical exhaustion

• Emotional guilt

• Fear of making the “wrong” decision

Many families reach a breaking point juggling work, caregiving, and their own health. This is where the decision between home care and a nursing home usually arises—not because families don’t care, but because they care deeply and are stretched beyond capacity.

There is no single “best” option for every family. The right choice depends on:

• Medical and care needs

• Safety requirements

• Emotional wellbeing

• Family involvement capacity

• Long-term sustainability

What Home Care Means in Singapore Today

Home care in Singapore has evolved significantly. It is no longer limited to basic help.

With a professionally trained caregiver, families can arrange structured, nursing-home–level care at home, while allowing their loved one to remain in a familiar environment.

What Trained Caregivers Can Support At Home

Caregivers provided through professional agencies are trained in:

• Bathing, grooming, and personal hygiene

• Mobility assistance and fall prevention

• Medication reminders and monitoring

• IV catheter support (as instructed)

• Basic injections (as per care plan)

• Emergency response for falls, strokes, injuries, and accidents

• Dementia care support and behaviour handling

• Daily routine supervision and safety monitoring

Important note:
Under Singapore regulations, these professionals are legally referred to as caregivers, even though they are trained in nursing-related skills. They are not called nurses.

What Is a Nursing Home in Singapore?

A nursing home is a residential care facility designed for seniors who require:

• Continuous supervision

• Structured routines

• On-site clinical support

• A controlled environment for safety

Nursing homes provide:

• 24-hour supervision

• Assistance with all daily activities

• On-site clinical staff

• Rehabilitation services (where applicable)

• Group living and scheduled activities

For some seniors, especially those with very advanced medical or safety needs, nursing homes remain a necessary option.

Key Differences Between Home Care and Nursing Home

Cost Considerations for Families in Singapore

Cost is important—but it should never be looked at in isolation. Families should also consider emotional cost, sustainability, and long-term flexibility.

Home Care Costs

• Usually monthly salary-based for live-in caregivers

• Cost varies by experience and care needs

• Families manage care within their own home

• Flexible—care level can increase or reduce over time

Nursing Home Costs

• Fixed monthly fees

• Includes accommodation, meals, and supervision

• Less flexibility once admitted

• Availability may depend on vacancy and waiting lists

Emotional & Lifestyle Impact: What Families Often Overlook

Why Many Families Choose Home Care

• Elderly remain surrounded by familiar faces and memories

• Lower anxiety and better emotional stability

• Especially beneficial for dementia patients

• Families feel reassured seeing daily care firsthand

Why Some Families Choose Nursing Homes

• Severe caregiver burnout

• Safety concerns at home

• Need for constant supervision in a controlled setting

• No available family support system

Choosing home care does not mean families are “doing everything themselves.”
It means they are delegating care responsibly to a trained professional.

When Home Care Is the Right Choice

Home care is often ideal when:

• The elderly needs daily assistance but can remain safely at home

• Dementia is present but manageable in a familiar setting

• Families are emotionally exhausted and need relief

• One-to-one attention is preferred

• Dignity and independence are priorities

With the right caregiver, most nursing-home care needs can be met at home.

When a Nursing Home May Be Necessary

A nursing home may be more suitable when:

• The elderly requires constant institutional supervision

• Safety risks cannot be managed at home

• Advanced medical complexity exists

• Home environment cannot be adapted safely

This is not a failure—it is a practical decision in specific situations.

Why Families in Singapore Choose Vivacare Employment

Choosing home care is only successful when families work with the right agency.

At Vivacare Employment, we help families replace nursing-home care with competent, trained caregivers at home, while staying fully compliant with Singapore regulations.

What Sets Vivacare Apart

• Caregivers trained in nursing-related skills, including bathing, grooming, mobility support, medication reminders, IV catheter assistance, basic injections, emergency response for falls or strokes, and other essential daily and clinical caregiving support commonly required for elderly care at home

• Affordable caregiver salary starting from SGD $800, depending on experience and care needs

• Proven experience with dementia and complex elderly care, delivered with patience, familiarity, and respect

• Careful caregiver matching based on household setup, medical needs, and daily routines

• Clear guidance and ongoing support to reduce family stress and caregiver burnout

Our goal is simple:

Help families care for their loved ones without burning out, sacrificing work, or compromising dignity.

Final Thought: You Don’t Have to Choose Between Care and Home

The real question is not home care vs nursing home.

It is:

How can we provide the right level of care while protecting our loved one’s dignity—and our family’s wellbeing?

For many families in Singapore, the answer lies in professional caregivers providing nursing-home–level care at home.

👉 If you are exploring elderly care support in Singapore and need honest, practical guidance, Vivacare Employment is here to help.
Contact us today to take the next step with confidence.