Home Hospice Care
When cancer reaches an advanced stage, some choose to receive care in the comfort of their home— surrounded by familiar spaces and loved ones. Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) supports patients who wish to spend this time at home, focusing on comfort, dignity, and quality of life. We walk alongside both patients and their families, ensuring that no one journeys alone.
What Is Home Hospice Care?
How We Support You
Every care plan is tailored to the individual needs of the patient and family.
Medical & Symptom Management
- Clinical assessment and ongoing monitoring
- Pain and symptom management
- Guidance for caregivers on daily care
Rehabilitation & Daily Living Support
- Home-based therapy and exercises
- Caregiver training
- Advice on home modifications to improve safety and comfort
Emotional & Psychosocial Support
- Counselling and emotional support for patients and caregivers
- Financial guidance where needed
- Bereavement support for families
Equipment & Practical Assistance
- Eligible patients may be supported with subsidies for rental of medical equipment.
- Loaned medical and rehabilitation equipment such as oxygen concentrators, syringe drivers, wheelchairs, and commodes.
- Means-testing applies to ensure support reaches those most in need.
- Delivery and return of equipment can be arranged by SCS.
Who May Benefit
- Wish to receive end of life care at home
- Require support in managing symptoms
- Prefer comfort-focused care
How it Works
Step 1:
Referal
Please speak with your doctor about a referral for home hospice care.
Your doctor may submit the referral via BRIGHT or through the Singapore Hospice Council (SHC) Common Referral Form.
Step 2:
Initial Assessment at Home
Once referred and accepted under our care, a primary nurse will contact you to arrange a home visit. During this visit, we assess the patient’s clinical condition, emotional well-being, rehabilitation needs, and caregiver support requirements.
Step 3:
Ongoing Care & Support
Our team provides regular home visits and coordinates additional services where needed. We support both the patient and family throughout the course of care.
We are here to support you
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for SCS Home Hospice Care?
Patients with advanced cancer and a prognosis of less than 1 year may be referred by their doctor for hospice home care. Eligibility is assessed upon referral and acceptance under our programme
How do I apply for home hospice care?
Speak to your doctor about a referral for home hospice care.
using the Singapore Hospice Council (SHC) Common Referral Form.
A doctor must complete and submit the form on behalf of the patient.
You may also contact SCS if you would like guidance on the referral process.
What happens after a referral is made?
Once the patient is accepted under our care:
- A primary nurse will be assigned
- The nurse will contact the patient and caregiver
- An initial home assessment will be arranged
The assessment reviews the patient’s clinical condition, emotional needs, rehabilitation requirements, and caregiver support.
How often will the hospice team visit?
Visit frequency depends on the patient’s condition and care needs. Our clinical team provides regular home visits and ongoing monitoring to ensure comfort and symptom control.
What kind of support does SCS provide?
Support may include:
- Pain and symptom management
- Clinical assessment and monitoring
- Emotional and psychosocial support
- Financial guidance where applicable
- Rehabilitation exercises and caregiver training
- Advice on home modification
- Bereavement support for families
Care is tailored to each patient and family.
Does SCS provide equipment for home hospice patients?
Yes. Eligible patients under our care may be supported with loaned medical and rehabilitation equipment such as:
- Oxygen concentrators
- Syringe drivers
- Wheelchairs
- Commodes and walking aids
Eligible patients may be supported with subsidies for rental of medical equipment.
Means-testing applies to ensure assistance reaches patients most in need. Delivery and return of equipment can be arranged by SCS.
Will my loved one be in pain?
Our team focuses on effective symptom and pain management to ensure patients remain as comfortable as possible.
Is there financial assistance available?
Where applicable, our social workers may provide financial guidance and assess eligibility for support schemes. You can also visit our [Financial Assistance] page for more information.
Where can I learn more about hospice care?
For additional information about hospice services in Singapore, you may visit Singapore Hospice Council | Living Before Leaving