In Singapore there are 22 daycare centres. NTUC has 5 Centres. More are opening in the next 5 years to cater for Singapore's ageing population.The opening hours are normally from 8 am. to 6 pm. during weekdays. Close on weekends to allow the elderly to be with their own family members. Fees vary from centre to centre in the range of between $450 to $650 depending on services provided.
Subsidies are available by application. Means testing will be conducted. Subsidies range from 25% discount to as much as 75% depending on families financial conditions.
Transport to and from home to Centres are provided with costs.
Programme consists of games, light exercises, physiotherapy. Tea-break, lunch, resting & sleeping time, TV time and music therapy. Most programmes are conducted by trained personnel.
The older estates in Singapore consisting or Bukit Merah, next comes Bishan, Serangoon, Ang Mo Kio, Kallang, Bedok and Tampines are identified as being in need of DayCare Centres.
In Bukit Merah 15% of residents are 65 years and older. By 2014 will be up by another 10% bringing a total of 25%, meaning one in every five residents will be 65 and above. Bedok 10 % AMK 11%, By 2014 averages 16% residents in the two estates to be 65 and above.
In Punggol, ours is a very young town, so no planning yet for any daycare centers. Looking at the Punggol map carefully, a nursing home is on the drawing board.
