By The Big Buy desk · Last verified 12 October 2026
Care for an older loved one comes in three main forms, and the government helps with all three. Nursing homes at one provider run from about S$756 to S$5,400 a month before subsidy; senior day care about S$1,100 to S$1,606 a month; and home care is charged per visit or per hour. Since 1 July 2026, MOH’s means-tested subsidies cover up to 80% of residential care and up to 95% of day and home care for citizens born in 1969 or earlier, at government-funded providers. Families caring at home may also get the Home Caregiving Grant of S$200 to S$600 a month in cash.
Caring for a parent is an act of love, and it can also be a long financial road. Knowing the fees and the help available lets you choose with a clearer head.
Quick facts
- Subsidies depend on monthly per capita household income (PCHI); no subsidy above S$4,800 per person.
- Households with no income are assessed on their home’s Annual Value (S$21,000 or less qualifies).
- Older citizens (born 1969 or earlier) get higher rates than younger citizens; PRs get lower rates.
- Subsidies apply only at government-funded providers; private nursing homes are not subsidised.
- Home Caregiving Grant: S$600, S$400 or S$200 a month, depending on income, for someone needing help with at least 3 daily activities.
- Start through a hospital, polyclinic, GP or AIC: hotline 1800 650 6060.
What each type of care costs
| Care | Fee before subsidy (example provider) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing home | S$756 to S$5,400 a month (NTUC Health) | Admission charge, medication and consumables may be extra |
| Private nursing home | About S$3,000 to S$5,000 shared; S$5,000+ single room | No MOH subsidy |
| Senior day care | S$1,100 to S$1,606 a month (NTUC Health) | Transport about S$250 to S$440 extra, before subsidy |
| Home nursing | S$4.20 to S$141 a visit (NTUC Health range) | Range spans subsidy tiers |
| Home personal care | S$2.70 to S$26 an hour (NTUC Health range) | Bathing, feeding, escorting |
The subsidy tables from 1 July 2026
For Singapore Citizens born in 1969 or earlier. Younger citizens and PRs receive lower percentages; the full tables are on MOH’s website.
| Monthly income per person | Nursing home (residential) | Day care and home care |
|---|---|---|
| S$900 and below | 80% | 95% |
| S$1,501 to S$2,300 | 65% | 85% |
| S$2,301 to S$2,600 | 55% | 75% |
| S$2,601 to S$3,600 | 35% | 55% |
| S$3,601 to S$4,800 | 15% | 35% |
| S$4,801 and above | 0% | 0% |
The S$901 to S$1,500 band sits between the first two rows; check MOH’s page for its exact rate.
Worked example
Madam Lim was born in 1950. Her household’s income works out to S$2,000 per person a month.
- Nursing home at a basic cost of about S$3,900 a month: 65% subsidy is S$2,535, leaving S$1,365 before MediSave, CareShield Life or ElderShield payouts.
- Day care at S$1,300 a month instead: 85% subsidy is S$1,105, leaving S$195, plus transport.
- If she stays home and needs help with three or more daily activities, her family may also get a S$400 monthly Home Caregiving Grant at that income.
The Home Caregiving Grant
| Monthly income per person | Grant |
|---|---|
| S$0 to S$1,500 (or no income and Annual Value S$21,000 or less) | S$600 a month |
| S$1,501 to S$3,600 | S$400 a month |
| S$3,601 to S$4,800 | S$200 a month |
The person cared for must live at home, not in a nursing home, and permanently need help with at least three of six activities of daily living, confirmed by a functional assessment. The grant is paid in cash to a nominated bank account; apply online via AIC’s eFASS with Singpass.
How to arrange care and subsidies
- Speak to a hospital medical social worker, polyclinic, GP or an AIC Link office about the care needed.
- Get a referral to a government-funded nursing home, day care centre or home care provider.
- Complete the household means test so your subsidy tier can be set.
- Check CareShield Life or ElderShield claims if your loved one is severely disabled.
- Apply separately for the Home Caregiving Grant if caring at home.
The WahLiao Verdict
Start with a referral and the means test before you sign anything: the July 2026 subsidies are generous, especially for day and home care, and they apply only at government-funded providers. Day care plus home support, topped up by the Home Caregiving Grant, often keeps a parent at home affordably. If a nursing home becomes necessary, let AIC help match a subsidised place, and claim every insurance payout you are entitled to.
Questions people ask
Do private nursing homes get subsidies?
No. MOH subsidies apply to services from government-funded providers. Private homes charge full fees.
Can I choose which nursing home?
You can state preferences, but AIC matches residents to homes with vacancies, so location and timing may not be your first choice.
Why does my parent’s birth year matter?
MOH’s tables give higher subsidies to citizens born in 1969 or earlier than to those born later.
Can MediSave pay nursing home fees?
Partly. MediSave Care allows withdrawals of up to S$200 a month for severely disabled residents, and CareShield Life or ElderShield payouts can also help.
Sources: Ministry of Health, residential long-term care subsidies from 1 July 2026; Ministry of Health, non-residential long-term care subsidies; Agency for Integrated Care, Home Caregiving Grant; NTUC Health, eldercare fee ranges; The Money Bees, nursing home basic cost, private fees and MediSave Care. The Big Buy explains; it does not advise.
Read next: CareShield Life and ElderShield: What Long-Term Care Insurance Pays If You’re Severely Disabled · Housing for Seniors: Community Care Apartments, the Lease Buyback and Silver Housing Bonus · Back to The Big Buy
For what’s worth it this week, with the bill shown, read The WahLiao Week.
Leave a Reply