As part of $120m boost, new nursing homes will be built and existing ones upgraded. -- ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
TWO new nursing homes will be built in housing estates in the heartland, while four existing ones will be relocated to upgraded premises in such areas.
This is part of a scheme announced yesterday which aims to change the face of nursing home care in Singapore by building bigger homes and increasing the number of beds.
Staff will have their skills upgraded and homes will be encouraged to gradually reduce their reliance on foreign workers.
The five-year government-funded scheme, which will cost up to $120 million, was announced by Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan, who is also an MP for Sembawang GRC.
Four existing homes are to be moved to bigger premises to better cater for the needs of the population, particularly the elderly who have shifted location over time.
Singapore Christian Home For The Aged (SCHA) will move to Sembawang Crescent, Bright Hill Evergreen Home will be relocated to Punggol, Villa Francis Home For The Aged will go to Yishun and Ren Ci Nursing Home to Bukit Batok.
Read the full story in The Sunday Times on 19 December 2010.
darylc@sph.com.sg