Tan Kin Lian - Perspectives Nursing homes in neighboring countries
There is a need for more nursing homes to take care of an elderly population. 

To reduce the cost to the residents, the nursing homes should be located in our neighboring countries, where there is an ample supply of carers at a modest cost, compared to Singapore. 

This idea was suggested by the Singapore health minister a decade ago, and was badly received by the people at that time. The situation has changed. This idea is likely to be well received now. 

Here are the reasons:

1) The cost of nursing care in a neighboring country can be half or one third of the cost of a similar home in Singapore, as land and labor is much cheaper.

2) With internet technology, it is easy for family members to keep in touch with the elderly parents in the nursing home, e.g, using Whatsapp.

3) It is also easy for the family members to travel to neighboring countries during the off-peak periods and visit their elderly parents, without having to spend time on congested roads or ferries.

4) There is plenty of space in neighboring countries, which makes it a nice experience for the elderly people to go for outings to interesting places. 

5) More people are now familiar with and have positive experience of life in our neighboring countries.

The only obstacle is the need to have visa for long term stay in neighboring countries. If their government wishes to develop this industry, they can give their approval for the elderly residents to stay in the nursing homes. 

I think that this concept is now feasible and should be explored. 

Tan Kin Lian 




 

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