Special Needs and Ageing Well – Part 2

---

Have you ever wondered what the concerns of ageing parents of an adult with special needs might be?

In this article, Part 2 of a three-part series titled Special Needs and Ageing Well, we cover the residential care facilities available in Singapore for highly dependent adults with special needs.

Also click to read:

1. How community can help the parents as they age

3. How to better support these families through life transitions

 

Residential Care Facilities Available in Singapore for Adults with Special Needs

Helping parents of adults with special needs learn about the residential care options and walk through the assessment process, can give them a headstart in their application and allay concerns.

There are two categories of Homes in Singapore that take in highly dependent adults with special needs. These are (A) Adult Disabilities Home and (B) Nursing Homes.

 

(A) Adult Disability Homes

Adult Disability Homes provide long-term residential care for clients age 16 to 55. Applicants should be Singaporean Citizens or Permanent Residents diagnosed with congenital disabilities of the following nature:

• Physical
• Sensory Development
• Intellectual condition (IQ level of less than 70)
• Autism or other developmental condition
• A combination of two or more of the above

 

Applicants have to approach a Medical Social Worker (MSW) at the restructured hospital where their child is receiving medical care either as an outpatient or inpatient for help. The MSW will arrange for a medical and social report to be submitted to SG Enable who will process the applications.

 

Visit the SG Enable’s website for a list of Adult Disability Homes. These include:

• Bishan Home for the Intellectually Disabled
• Blue Cross Thong Kheng Home
• Metta Home for the Disabled
• MINDSVille@Lor Napiri – Home
• Thye Hua Kwan Home for Disabled Adults@Chai Chee
• Thye Hua Kwan Home for Disabled@Eunos
• Red Cross Home for the Disabled
• Singapore Cheshire Home

 

(B) Nursing Homes

While most adults with disabilities (age 16 to 55)  requiring supervision will apply for a Home through SG Enable, it is useful to note that Nursing Homes also take in applicants from adults with special needs aged 55 and over on a case by case basis.

Parents who want to apply for a Nursing Home will also have to approach a MSW at the restructured hospital where their child is receiving medical care either as an outpatient or inpatient for help. The MSW will arrange for a medical and social report to be submitted to the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC).

In general, Nursing Homes serve elderly who are either physically or mentally disabled because of illness, and/or are semi-mobile (i.e. use wheelchairs or are bed-bound, need daily care and help with activities like toileting).

For questions on whether to apply for an Adult Disability Home or Nursing Home, consult the MSW. Alternatively, one can call SG Enable: 1800 858 5885 or the AIC’s Singapore Silver Line: 1800 6506060 for clarifications.

Here’s a fact finding checklist for your easy reference:

• Admission criteria
• Fees and subsidies
• Average waiting period for a vacancy
• Location of Home
• Services and facilities available at the Home
• Training and experience of the staff in caring for clients with special needs (e.g. Autism, Down Syndrome)
• Visiting arrangements and home or family leave arrangements
• Respite care arrangements available
• Short-term or interim care arrangements available whilst waiting for a Home

 

Click to download a copy of SGEnable’s application form for all adult disability services here.

 

About the Author: The COH Resource Team comprises volunteers, content writers and experts, including psychologists, counsellors, educators and social service professionals.

 

Credit to "The COH Resource Team"

About the Author: The COH Resource Team comprises volunteers, content writers and experts, including psychologists, counsellors, educators and social service professionals.

---

ALL views, content, information and/or materials expressed / presented by any third party apart from Council For Third Age, belong strictly to such third party. Any such third party views, content, information and/or materials provided herein are for convenience and/or general information purposes only. Council For Third Age shall not be responsible nor liable for any injury, loss or damage whatsoever arising directly or indirectly howsoever in connection with or as a result of any person accessing or acting on any such views, content, information and/or materials. Such third party views, content, information and/or materials do not imply and shall not be construed as a representation, warranty, endorsement and/or verification by Council For Third Age in respect of such views, content, information and/or materials.