Guidebook On Nursing Homes
Guidebook On Nursing Homes
Guidebook On Nursing Homes
ON
NURSING HOMES
May 2002
FOREWORD
Even for elderly persons with disabilities, we should aim to restore them to
functional independence, through rehabilitation, so that they can be managed at
home and in the community as far as possible. Home care services and day
rehabilitation centres are essential support services which would facilitate this.
Nursing homes, on the other hand, provide residential nursing care to those with
severe disabilities who cannot be cared for at home or in the community.
Page
1 Objectives of Guidebook 1
2 Definition of a Nursing Home 1
3 Functional Categorisation of Residents 1
4 Admission Criteria 2
5 Location/Building 2
6 Licensing Requirements 2
7 Facilities and Space Norms 3
8 Furniture and Equipment 3
9 Rehabilitative Equipment 3
10 Manpower 3
11 Administration and Organisation 10
12 Standards of Care 12
13 Approved Nursing Homes within Framework for Integrated 13
Health Services for the Elderly
14 Placement of Patients in VWO Nursing Homes 14
15 Services 14
16 Funding 15
"Nursing home means any premise other than a maternity home used or intended
to be used for the reception of, and the provision of nursing for persons suffering
or convalescing from any sickness, injury or infirmity".
(Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics [PHMC] Act, chapter 248, revised edition,
1999)
(a) Category I
Physically and mentally independent; may or may not use walking aids; do
not need or need minimal assistance in activities of daily living (ADL).
(b) Category II
(d) Category IV
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of the residents, to ensure a more comprehensive coverage of their disabilities.
The review will also ensure that the RAF can be harmonised with the ADL-
dependency classification for the severe disability insurance scheme.
4 ADMISSION CRITERIA
The Elderly and Continuing Care Division of the MOH revised the admission
criteria for VWO nursing homes and drew up a standard set of criteria last year.
The new admission criteria for MOH-funded VWO nursing homes are in Annex 2.
5 LOCATION/BUILDING
5.1 Location
The site selected for a nursing home should preferably be easily accessible by
public transport.
After identifying a suitable site for a purpose-built nursing home, the operator
should study the licensing requirements stipulated in the Private Hospitals and
Medical Clinics (PHMC) Act, its Regulations and Guidelines and plan the nursing
home layout and facilities accordingly. The operator should also seek advice
from the relevant authorities (Urban Redevelopment Authority [URA], Building
and Construction Authority [BCA], Fire Safety and Shelter Bureau) controlling the
physical development of lands/buildings.
To renovate a building into a nursing home, the operator should contact relevant
authorities, such as URA, for advice.
6 LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
6.1 Nursing homes are regulated under the PHMC Act. A licence must be
obtained from MOH before a nursing home can commence operation. Nursing
homes must comply with the provisions stipulated under the PHMC Act. The key
information on licensing of nursing homes is in Annex 3. Nursing home operators
are expected to familiarise themselves with the detailed licensing requirements
under the PHMC Act, Regulations and Guidelines.
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7 FACILITIES AND SPACE NORMS
7.1 The capacity for nursing homes depends on the site area. A site area that
can accommodate 200 beds is optimal.
7.2 The licensing requirements for facilities in nursing homes are in Annex 4A.
7.3 The facilities required in a nursing home can be categorised into basic and
extended facilities. Basic facilities are essential facilities that all new nursing
homes (both purpose-built and using renovated buildings after 1 January 2001)
should provide for residential nursing care.
7.4 Extended facilities are not crucial for residential nursing care. The nursing
home operators may vary or deviate from the recommended norms for these
facilities or choose not to provide any of these facilities. The list of basic and
extended facilities and the proposed space norms for these facilities for a 200-
bedded nursing home are in Annex 4B.
8.2 A detailed list of furniture and equipment for nursing homes is in Annex 5.
9 REHABILITATIVE EQUIPMENT
9.1 Nursing homes should have rehabilitative equipment for residents who
require rehabilitation. A list of these equipment and their uses are in Annex 6.
10 MANPOWER
The nursing home must maintain an adequate level of staffing and the level of
professional skills required. The ratio of staff to residents is based on
assessment using the RAF in Annex 1.
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10.2 Roles of personnel
10.2.2 Physician
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(c) Is a team player in a multi-disciplinary setting.
(d) Is involved in education and training of nurses and allied health personnel.
(e) Forms active liaisons with counterparts in the hospital and community
services.
Registered Nurse
(a) Plays a central role in providing nursing care to residents in the nursing
home.
(b) Develops a nursing care plan and implements nursing interventions as
outlined in the care plan.
(c) Initiates appropriate preventive and rehabilitative nursing procedures.
(d) Provides nursing services requiring substantial and specialised nursing
skills.
(e) Supervises and guides new staff.
(f) Educates and trains the other care staff.
(g) Prepares clinical documentation.
(h) Co-ordinates with other staff members and updates them on changes in
the residents' conditions and needs.
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(i) Evaluates the resident’s response to care interventions on a regular basis
and recommends revision of care plans as necessary.
Enrolled Nurse
(a) Assists the registered nurses in the delivery of nursing care to the
residents in the Home.
(b) Provides basic nursing care to the residents.
(c) Carries out nursing rounds with the registered nurse.
(d) Assists the registered nurse in the supervision of nursing aides and health
attendants.
(e) Ensures the comfort and good personal hygiene of the residents under
her/his care, e.g. bed bath/shower bath, changing of clothes and
bedsheets and tidiness of the room.
(f) Assists in the administration of oral and topical medicines.
(g) Checks, monitors and records residents’ vital signs such as temperature,
pulse, respiration, blood pressure and apex beat.
(h) Assists in the transfer and positioning of non-ambulant residents.
(i) Assists in serving the correct diets and feeding residents who are unable
to feed themselves.
(j) Maintains accurate documentation of care given.
(k) Assists in the admission and orientation of new residents.
(l) Keeps incontinent residents clean and dry.
(m) Performs rehabilitation procedures such as motion exercises for the
residents and walking them.
(n) Organises and sends residents for appropriate therapy as prescribed, e.g.
occupational therapy, laundry, kitchen and ward work and garden
cleaning.
(o) Helps to maintain a safe and clean environment in the nursing home.
(p) Carries out any other duties as assigned by the registered nurse.
The nursing aide/health care assistant provides support and assistance to the
registered and enrolled nurses in the delivery of nursing care to the residents and
helps to maintain a clean, safe and comfortable environment for them.
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(j) Assists the registered nurse in the nursing procedures and treatments for
the residents, e.g. wound dressing.
(k) Assists in the admission and orientation of new residents.
(l) Performs routine cleaning of the ward and other areas and equipment.
(m) Accompanies residents to the hospital/polyclinic for follow-up
appointments.
(n) Assists in organising visits for residents to go for their medical check-ups;
arranges transport and accompanies residents to the hospital/polyclinic.
(o) Accompanies residents for their outing trips.
(p) Helps to maintain a clean, safe and neat environment for the residents in
the nursing home.
(q) Helps in the cleaning of utensils and the dining hall.
(r) Performs any other duties as assigned by the registered nurse.
The role of care manager may be assigned to a nurse or a social worker who
functions as the:
(a) assessor : gathers all relevant data and evaluates impact on desired
outcomes
(b) planner : involves the resident and care-givers in drawing up a
management plan
(c) facilitator : promotes communication between all persons involved in the
care of the resident; maximises outcomes and minimises
redundant or unnecessary efforts
(d) enforcer : liaises with the various service providers and ensures that
services needed are appropriately delivered
(e) advocate : supports the resident’s best interests
Physiotherapist
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coordination, posture, pain level, impaired airway clearance and ability to
cough.
(b) Plans and provides physical therapy that includes ambulation, gait training,
active and passive exercises, orthotics training, massage, neuromuscular
co-ordination training and re-education, endurance training and breathing
strategies through manual, mechanical techniques and positioning.
(c) Assists residents to achieve and maintain maximum performance using
physical means such as active or passive exercises, massage, manual
therapy techniques, hydrotherapy, and electro-physical means such as
heat, ultrasound, ice, etc.
(d) Actively prevents and limits the degree of disability among the residents.
(e) Provides and evaluates treatment to relieve pain and/or develop, restore
or maintain functional status.
(f) Establishes a maintenance programme and provides written and verbal
instructions to the staff in the nursing home so that they can assist in
programme implementation for the residents.
(g) Works with other co-ordinators in the planning of the physiotherapy
programme for the residents.
(h) Recommends adaptive or assistive devices for the residents; provides
assistance in obtaining assistive ambulatory devices such as canes,
walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, leg braces and prosthetic devices.
(i) Trains other staff to lift, move and assist the residents.
Occupational therapist
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10.3 Staff Qualifications
10.3.2 Physician
10.3.4 Nurse
Registered Nurse
Enrolled Nurse
(a) Enrolled nurse with some clinical experience in a setting dedicated to the
care of the older person.
(a) Degree in social work with some clinical experience in a setting dedicated
to the care of the older person or care management and preferably, post-
basic qualifications in gerontology.
10.4.1 The minimum training requirements for nursing staff (Enrolled Nurse and
above) are:
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(a) Infection control, Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
guidelines
(b) Bedsore prevention
(c) Feeding techniques - use of nasogastric tube and gastrostomy tube
(d) Basic transfer skills
(e) Falls precaution and management
(f) Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS)
(g) Blood pressure monitoring
(h) Care of urinary catheters
(i) Basic hygiene
(j) Wound care
(k) Stoma care
(l) Care of incontinent patients
(m) Use of assistive devices
(n) Caring for and communicating with the elderly
(o) Care of mildly confused patients
(p) Detection and care of patients with depression
(q) Detection and care of patients with dementia
(a) The mission, philosophy and objectives of the nursing home must be
clearly stated.
(b) A clear organisational chart must be drawn up.
(c) The duties, responsibilities and accountability of each staff should be
clearly stated.
(d) The duties and responsibilities of the management committee or other
governing or advisory bodies must be clearly defined.
(a) The governing body is the management board overseeing the operations
of the service provider. It has full legal authority and responsibility for the
operations of the service provider, adopting by-laws and rules that
address:
(i) developing long term strategic plans for the service provider.
(ii) ensuring the quality of service provision.
(iii) ensuring regular reviews of the finances and programmes of the service
provider.
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(iv) developing plans to meet the long term financial needs of the service
provider.
(v) developing an organisational structure which defines lines of authority.
(vi) appointing and evaluating the staff of the service provider.
(vii) arranging regular service and financial audits.
(viii) determining the programme and operating policies.
(ix) fees, service records, admission and discharge criteria.
(x) determining the scope and quality of services in response to defined
needs.
(xi) approving collaborative relations with other service providers/agencies.
(xii) ensuring the service provider’s compliance with all statutory laws and
regulations governing its operations.
(xiii) approving and participating in plans for fund raising and public relations.
11.4.1 The nursing home should develop policies and procedures for the
following:
(a) Operations
(b) Programme development
(c) Programme evaluation and quality assurance
(d) Funding/financial management
(e) Personnel
(f) Publicity and marketing
(g) Information and referrals
(h) Collaborations with other services
11.4.3 The nursing home should keep the individual resident’s case file.
(a) Nursing homes should comply with all laws relating to fire safety.
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(b) A list of emergency contact numbers such as the police department,
ambulance services and the fire services should be written clearly and
placed near the telephone for easy reference in the event of an
emergency.
(c) Smoking should be discouraged in the nursing home.
12 STANDARDS OF CARE
12.1 Each nursing home is responsible for the standard of services that it
provides. The organisation needs to define its objectives of care, set policies and
procedures and formulate a set of standards and guidelines to achieve quality
care. The following standards could be adopted:
(a) The roles and responsibilities of the management committee and/or the
Board or other decision-making body and all the staff in the nursing home
are clearly defined.
(b) Effective staff recruitment, development and training practices should be in
place.
(c) The organisation complies with all relevant legal and professional codes of
practice.
(d) Reasonable steps are taken to provide a safe working environment for the
staff and service users.
(e) An infection control programme is implemented and maintained.
(f) A quality assurance programme is implemented and maintained.
(g) The organisation regularly reviews and evaluates its own performance.
12.2.1 Quality assurance activities related to the various aspects of care must be
carried out at least 6 monthly. The following should be monitored:
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(e) Maintenance and maximisation of functional status, including regular
diversional therapy/physiotherapy/occupational therapy/speech therapy.
(f) Review of incidents (falls, accidents, deaths, injuries) and institution of
appropriate measures to prevent recurrences.
13.1 The Framework for Integrated Health Services for the Elderly was
implemented in April 2001 to streamline and improve the quality of care for the
elderly in community hospitals, nursing homes, day rehabilitation centres and
home care. Selected nursing homes are approved providers within the
Framework and these nursing homes receive higher subventions from MOH to
allow them to attain higher standards of care delivery. Each of these nursing
homes is affiliated to a regional hospital and is required to provide day
rehabilitation, home medical and home nursing services. The geriatricians in the
regional hospitals in the Framework provide professional leadership and
expertise to the approved providers within their zone.
(a) MOH will monitor the approved providers on the types of patients admitted
based on the Ministry's admission guidelines.
(b) service providers will be audited for management and professional quality,
and performance indicators.
(c) the approved provider is expected to provide quarterly statistics on the
following and other indicators:
(i) occupancy rate
(ii) average length of stay
(iii) bed utilisation in terms of turnover per bed
(iv) number of visits per patient for day rehabilitation, home medical and
home nursing care
(a) MOH sends out application forms to VWOs to invite them to apply to be
approved providers.
(b) Interested VWOs submit their proposals to MOH for consideration.
(c) MOH makes decision on the applications.
(d) The approved providers are issued with an "approval letter" by MOH to
deliver expanded services at a higher standard. This letter spells out all
the terms and conditions for the receipt of government funding.
(e) If the approved providers fail to deliver what they had agreed with MOH, or
fall short of the standards stipulated by MOH, the higher subvention may
be withdrawn.
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14 PLACEMENT OF PATIENTS IN VWO NURSING HOMES
(a) The Integrated Care Services (ICS) was set up in May 2001 as a central
co-ordinating body for the placement of patients in VWO nursing homes.
ICS is jointly funded by the National Healthcare Group and Singapore
Health Services. Its office is located in Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
(b) ICS works closely with the geriatric teams and medical social workers in
the regional hospitals and community-based care managers.
(c) Queries on placement in VWO nursing homes can be made at ICS:
telephone nos. 63577686 / 63577688 / 63577685 and fax no. 63577689.
15 SERVICES
(a) The nursing home should provide a range of services to meet the needs of
the residents. The services include medical care, nursing care,
physiotherapy, dietary services and dental care. Some of the services are
requirements for licensing and others are necessary to improve the quality
of life in a nursing home.
(b) The nursing home should assess each resident's background, medical
condition(s), interests and hobbies. It should work towards meeting
individual needs and encouraging residents to maintain themselves at an
optimal level of functioning as far as possible. Residents should be
encouraged to participate in a wide range of either group or individual
activities appropriate to their interests and capabilities.
(a) The nursing home must make arrangements for residents to receive
medical services from a medical practitioner. A doctor must review all new
admissions within 48 hours. All residents must have medical reviews
periodically and whenever necessary.
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15.2 Visiting Hours
(a) The visiting hours should be flexible to encourage family members to visit
often. Private corners should be provided for residents to interact with
their friends and family members.
(a) The nursing home should assist the families of residents who are fit for
discharge by arranging for some training of the home carers to enable
them to cope with the follow-up care of the person at home. Nursing
homes should aim for residents to improve functionally and to be
discharged wherever possible, rather than assume that nursing home stay
is for life.
16 FUNDING
(b) The VWO should hold at least a 30-year land lease for new buildings or at
least a 10-year lease for disused buildings. For VWOs holding a lease
period of less than 10 years, Government grant can be given only in
certain circumstances.
(c) If the application for capital grant is successful, funding will be pegged at
MOH's capital funding formula as shown in Annex 7 or the VWO’s
estimated construction/renovation cost, whichever is lower. But where the
VWO has raised funds of more than 10% of the Government’s estimated
cost, the Government will only top up the deficit.
(d) Upon acceptance of the capital grant, the VWO concerned is required to
enter into an agreement with the Government to run the nursing home
according to the conditions specified in the agreement. Disbursement of
capital grant will be released only after the VWO has raised at least 5% of
the approved project cost.
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16.3 Terms and conditions for the receipt of government subsidy for
nursing home care
The Ministry of Health reserves the right to approve, with or without conditions,
the types of services to be provided, and specify the period for which the
subvention is provided. The organisation must ensure that:
(a) The nursing home is open to all Singapore citizens or permanent residents
who require nursing home care regardless of race, language, religion or
disease conditions (including HIV positive patients).
(b) The nursing home will accept patients according to Ministry of Health's
criteria in Annex 2 or in additional directives that the Ministry might impose
from time to time.
(c) The nursing home will accept any patient in need of nursing home care
referred by the Integrated Care Service, or any other of the Ministry of
Health's designated agencies.
(d) At least 80% of the residents are Category III and IV patients, based on
Ministry of Health's Resident Assessment Form.
(e) Not more than 10% of the beds are set aside for non-subsidised patients.
Non-subsidised patients shall mean patients who pay more than the
prevailing Government norm cost.
(f) Means testing is carried out for every patient requiring Government
subsidy based on the Ministry of Health's means testing criteria to
determine the subsidy rate.
(g) A schedule of fees and charges for the nursing home care, other charges,
deposits and any other charges to be paid by the patients is submitted to
MOH. The nursing home shall inform the Ministry of Health when changes
are made to the schedule.
(h) Billing is provided to all patients receiving Government subsidy. The bill
shall indicate the amount of Government subsidy.
(i) The number of medical and nursing staff and other related personnel are
sufficient for the prevailing case-mix of residents.
(j) The nursing home will comply with all applicable provisions of the Private
Hospitals and Medical Clinics Act and its regulations, and the amendments
made thereafter.
(k) The nursing home shall submit quarterly statistics as required by the
Ministry.
(l) After the close of each financial year, to submit to the Ministry of Health an
audited financial statement and workload within three months.
(m) Keep written records to allow the claims for payments of subvention to be
verified, and proper assessment to be made as to whether the Nursing
Home has complied, or is complying, with the conditions set out in the
provisions of the Medical and Elderly Care Endowment Schemes Act.
(n) Retain the written records referred to in paragraph (m) above for a period
of 3 years after the close of the financial year in which the record was
made.
(o) Any false information, claims and breach of conditions would render the
VWO ineligible for further funds and funds paid on the basis of false
information will be recovered. Any VWO who contravenes or makes a
record that is false or misleading shall be guilty of an offence and shall be
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liable for conviction under Section 41 of the Medical & Elderly Care
Endowment Schemes Act.
(a) Government recurrent funding for voluntary nursing homes are funded
based on the functional category of resident. A list of funding quantums
can be obtained from MOH.
(b) The level of subsidy rate (as shown below) for each patient is derived
using the means testing instrument attached in Annex 8.
(a) Submit application form (Annex 9) at least 1 month before intended date of
operation.
(b) If the application is successful, the VWO nursing home will be requested to
submit the recurrent claim form for the 1st month of operation (data should
be given as at the end of the 1st month).
(c) The Ministry of Health will disburse the recurrent subsidy in advance on a
quarterly basis with adjustments to be made in the next quarter when the
actual statistics are known. During the first week of each quarter, the
VWO nursing home will need to submit the claim forms for the preceding 3
months.
(d) The total annual subsidy disbursed is also subject to adjustment at the end
of the government financial year (ending 31 March) once the audited
statement of accounts and audited recurrent claim forms for the year are
ready.
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Annex 1
Rating A B C D
Q1 Mobility Independent Requires some assistance Requires frequent Requires total physical
(physical / assistive device) assistance / turning in bed assistance
0 3 10 16
Q2 Feeding Independent Requires some assistance Requires total assistance Tube -feeding
0 3 10 10
Q3 Toileting Independent Requires some physical Requires commodes/ Incontinent and totally
assistance bedpans/urinals dependent
0 3 8 16
Q4 Personal Requires no Requires assistance for Requires assistance for all Bed / trolley bathing
Grooming & Hygiene assistance some activities / supervision activities
0 2 4 6
Q5 Treatment Daily Medication Daily Medication Daily Medication Daily Medication
Oral / topical- 1 Oral / topical - 1 pt Oral / topical -1 pt Oral / topical - 1 pt
pt# Injection -2 pts Injection -2 pts Injection - 2 pts
Physiotherapy - 4 pts Physiotherapy - 4 pts
Sp* procedures -----pts
for ---- min@1pt/5mins
0 1 2 3
Q7 Confusion Nil Occasionally Often Always
(1-3 times a week) (4-6 times a week) (Daily)
iloses way
iloses things
idisorientated
0 3 8 10
Q8 Psychiatric Nil Mild interference in Moderate interference in life Severe interference in
Problems life life
ihallucination
idelusions
ianxiety
idepression
0 2 4 6
Q9 Behavioural Nil Occasionally Often Always
Problems (1-3 times a week) (4-6 times a week) (Daily)
irestless
idisruptive
iabsconds
iuncooperative
0 3 10 16
* Sp - Special # Pt - Point
Category I < 6 [1 care staff: 30 residents] Category II 7 –24 [1 care staff: 8 residents]
Category III 25 – 48 [1 care staff: 4 residents] Category IV > 48 [1 care staff: 2 residents]
_________________________________________Date:____________________
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Annex 2
The patient must be assessed for suitability for nursing home care based on the
following criteria:
A General criteria
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C Family Support
Care giver/Family Support Patient must not have any care giver or
he/she may have care giver but the
latter is unable to provide the nursing
care required.
D Other conditions
i) Medical conditions:
• Nasogastric/Gastrostomy Accept
feeding
• Urinary catheter/Supra-pubic Accept
catheter care
• Colostomy care Accept
• Needs insulin injection Accept
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Annex 3
THE PRIVATE HOSPITALS & MEDICAL CLINICS ACT & ITS REGULATIONS
The detailed licensing requirements of nursing homes are stipulated in the Private
Hospitals & Medical Clinics (PHMC) Act and its Regulations which are available at
the website: http://agcvldb.agc.gov.sg/html/homepage.html or can be purchased
from Myepb Bookstore (Legal Publication) located at 3 Temasek Boulevard, #B1-
025, Suntec City Mall, Singapore 038983; Telephone no. 63339703; Fax no.
63339236.
The MOH Guidelines issued under the PHMC Act are available at S$10/- per copy
at the Ministry of Health, Reception Counter, Level 2, College of Medicine Building,
16 College Rd.
1 ENVIRONMENT
1.1 Every part of the premises shall be maintained at all times in a clean, tidy
and sanitary condition.
3 BED SPACE
3.1 Distance between the sides of any two beds shall not be less than 1.2
metre and the overall bed space shall be sufficient.
3.1.1 To ensure the comfort and safety of patients.
3.1.2 To prevent disease transmission.
3.1.3 To allow proper treatment of the patients.
3.2 Residents of different sex shall not be allowed to occupy the same room.
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4 FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED
4.1 Basic patient amenities - suitable bed, mattress, pillow, chair and locker
facility for each resident
5 DESIGN
6 SERVICES
6.1.2 Persons involved in the preparation and provision of food shall comply with
the same requirements under any written law as for foodhandlers engaged
in the sale of food.
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6.1.4 All foodhandlers shall have regular and appropriate health screening
including:
6.1.4.1 inoculation against typhoid 3 yearly.
6.1.4.2 screening for tuberculosis 3 yearly for persons above 45 years
old.
6.1.4.3 passing the Food Hygiene Course.
6.1.5 Premises and facilities for preparation and serving of food shall meet with
all requirements under any written law.
6.2.1 Rooms used for exercise and therapy shall be equipped with suitable
rehabilitative equipment.
7 SANITARY FACILITIES
7.1 For the numbers of toilets, bathrooms and assisted bath & toilet, see
Annex 4A.
7.3 Slip-resistant tiles for floors of bathrooms, toilets and wash areas.
7.4 Toilets and bathrooms shall have doors and partitions made of suitable
materials to ensure adequate privacy.
8 NURSING SERVICES
8.1.1 The nursing home shall have a nursing service under the supervision and
direction of an administrator who is a registered nurse with the appropriate
qualifications and experience of a registered nurse.
8.2.2 Written policies and procedures to guide the provision of nursing care.
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8.2.3 Written job descriptions for all categories of nursing staff.
8.3.1 All nurses and midwives employed in the nursing service shall be
registered or enrolled under the Nurses and Midwives Act (Cap 209).
8.3.2 A registered nurse shall be on site to supervise the nursing care provided.
8.3.3 The number and composition of nursing staff shall be sufficient at all times
to provide adequate care to the residents and in accordance to standards
set out by the Director of Medical Services (see Resident Assessment
Form at Annex 1 for the nursing staff to resident ratio).
8.3.4 The nursing home shall ensure that there are orientation and training
programmes for new staff.
8.4.1 A registered nurse shall assess each resident's needs and problems within
the period established by the nursing management following admission.
8.4.2 A registered nurse shall be responsible for the safe custody, recording,
administration, handling and disposal of controlled drugs.
8.4.3 The registered nurse shall be responsible for each resident's nursing care
plan.
8.5.1 The nursing care plans shall be documented in accordance with the
approved standard of nursing practice.
8.5.2 The nursing actions shall be carried out according to the care plan and the
resident's response shall be recorded.
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9 MEDICAL SERVICES
9.1 The nursing home shall have a doctor available at the premises within half
an hour of call or shall make alternative arrangement to ensure that
residents receive prompt and appropriate medical care.
9.2 The home shall ensure that every resident is reviewed by a doctor within
48 hours of admission.
10 INFECTION CONTROL
10.2 have isolation facilities for persons found or suspected to be suffering from
any infectious disease.
10.3 ensure that any room or equipment which has been used for a resident
suffering or suspected to be suffering from any infectious disease, is not
used by any other resident until it is adequately disinfected.
11.1 The Quality Assurance programmes shall include the following activities:
(a) infection control review; and
(b) review of deaths, accidents, injuries and resident safety.
12 STORAGE OF MEDICINE
12.1 All antiseptics, drugs for external use and disinfectants shall be stored
separately from internal and injectable medication.
13 MEDICAL RECORDS
13.1 The licensee shall keep and maintain proper medical records. Medical
records shall be maintained with specified data items according to
guidelines issued by the Director of Medical Services.
13.2 All medical records shall be accurate, legible, sufficiently detailed, current,
secure, complete and confidential.
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13.3 All original medical records to be retained for an appropriate length of time,
and for such periods as may be required by the Director of Medical
Services.
14 LINEN
14.2 Shall be clean and changed when necessary and at appropriate intervals.
15 TRANSPORT
15.2 Where circumstances beyond the control of the nursing home prevent the
arrival of a medical practitioner within half an hour of call, arrangements
shall be made in a timely manner to transport the ill residents to the
relevant health care establishment for treatment.
15.3 Where a nursing home intends to provide a service whereby ill persons
can be transported, it shall have ambulances which shall be appropriately
identified, properly equipped and meet all other relevant existing
requirements.
16 FIRE PRECAUTIONS
16.1 The Home shall obtain Fire Safety Clearance from the Fire Safety Bureau.
16.2 The Home shall take adequate precautions against the risk of fire in
accordance with any law relating to fire safety.
17 ADVERTISING
17.1 The Home shall comply with the advertising guidelines under the PHMC
Act, and any guidelines issued by the Director of Medical Services from
time to time.
26
Annex 4A
3 Assisted Bath and Toilet 1 unit per 100 beds (minimum size 2.2 m by 3.2m).
Minimum 1 unit per nursing home with less than 100
beds.
* The sizes of these are to comply with the "Code on Barrier-Free Accessibility in Buildings
1995" and subsequent updates.
27
Annex 4B
I) BASIC FACILITIES
3 Assisted Bath and 14.00 1 unit per 100 beds (minimum size
Toilet 2.2 m by 3.2m)
NET FLOOR AREA FOR BASIC FACILITIES FOR 200-BEDDED NURSING HOME
= 1,810 SQ.M
* The sizes of these are to comply with the "Code on Barrier-Free Accessibility in Buildings
1995" and subsequent updates.
28
NURSING HOME FACILITIES AND SPACE NORMS
29
S/N Facilities Proposed Space Guidelines on Facilities/
Norm for 200- Space Norms
bedded NH
(sq. m)
NET FLOOR AREA FOR EXTENDED FACILITIES FOR 200-BEDDED NURSING HOME
= 729.80 SQ.M
** Because of economies of scale, the increase in area for a facility need not increase
exponentially with increase in size of home.
30
Annex 5
A Medical/Surgical equipment
1 Sphygmomanometer
2 Stethoscope
3 X-ray viewer
4 ENT diagnostic set
5 Eye chart
6 Tendon tapper
7 Examination couch
8 Oxygen concentrator with humidifier
9 Nebulizer with oxygen delivery system
10 Oxygen cylinder with trolley
11 Mucous suction pump
12 Portable resuscitator/manual resuscitator
13 Emergency trolley
14 Holding room trolley
15 Patient lifter/hoist
16 Medication trolley
17 Dressing trolley
18 Shower trolley
19 Transfer trolley
20 Platform trolley
21 Transfer sheet/transfer board
22 Wheelchair
23 Shower/Commode chair
24 Height/weight scale
25 Waste bin
26 Biohazard garbage bin
27 Sharps container
28 Tourniquet
29 Autoclave/sterilizer
30 Digital thermometer
31 Glucometer
32 Medication box (for individual patients)
33 Desktop refrigerator unit for medication
34 First aid box
35 Bedpan sterilizer
36 Bedpan and urinal
37 Safety vest/restraint
38 Forceps, kidney dish, gallipot, jug, tray
39 Pestle & mortar
40 Emergency torchlight
41 Small torchlight
42 Drip stand (portable)
43 Pressure relieving devices, e.g. decubitus mattress
31
44 Trapeze (optional)
45 ECG machine (optional)
B Kitchen equipment
1 Cooking utensils
2 Combi steamer
3 Rice steamer (industrial size)
4 Stove
5 Oven
6 Microwave oven
7 Freezer
8 Fridge
9 Crockery and cutlery
10 Trolley
11 Food tray
12 Container for storing food
13 Food warmer
14 Stainless steel storage rack
15 Cold and hot water dispenser
16 Coffee/Tea percolator
17 Automatic food processor
18 Automatic dish washer
19 Garbage bin with foot pedal
20 Walk-in chiller (optional)
C Maintenance equipment
D Furnishings
1 Office table/chair
2 Step stool
3 Bed with side rails
4 Bedside locker
5 Over-bed table
6 Mattress/pillow/bed linen
7 Office cabinet
32
8 Low back chair
9 Dining table/chairs
10 Bed screen
11 Mobile ward screen
12 Geriatric chair
E Staff quarters
1 Bed
2 Wardrobe
3 Sofa set
4 Table/chairs
5 Hot and cold water dispenser
6 Refrigerator
7 TV (optional)
F Laundry
1 Clothes line
2 Heavy duty washing machine
3 Heavy duty tumbler
4 Ironer (Presser)
5 Work table
6 Stainless steel double basin sink (pre-wash dirty linen)
7 Laundry basket
8 Supply cart
9 Linen trolley
10 Laundry cabinet
G Office equipment
1 Whiteboard
2 Pin board
3 Fax machine cum copier
4 Computer with printer
5 Shredder
6 Safe
7 Filing cabinet
8 Heavy duty puncher
9 Heavy duty stapler
10 Key press
11 Telephone
33
H Others
34
Annex 6
35
Rehabilitative equipment Uses
23 Exercise mat (optional) Increase the functional mobility of
residents; not suitable for residents with
osteoporosis and bad joints
24 Timer (optional) Record residents’ speed in doing activities;
time duration for an assessment
25 Arm sling (optional) Prevent shoulder subluxation in residents
with stroke
26 Theraball (optional) Sitting and standing balance activities; for
younger residents
27 Therapy pressure splint (optional) Prevent pressure sores during therapy
28 Splinting materials (optional) Passive stretching of limbs
29 Short-wave diathermy (optional) Pain relief; facilitate tissue healing
30 Treadmill (optional) Gait and endurance training
B Suspension sling items
1 Tension spring – 5 to 7 pounds Exercises to strengthen upper limbs
2 Limb sling Active assisted and endurance exercises
3 Elbow sling Active assisted and endurance exercises
4 S-Hook (large and small) Hook on the pulleys and slings
5 Pulley Bilateral upper limb exercises
6 Shoulder wheel Improve range of motion of the shoulder,
especially frozen shoulder and peri-arthritis
of the shoulder
7 Ankle sling Provide form of anchorage and support for
the ankle when performing active assisted
exercises for the lower limb
8 Straps Keep flaccid upper or lower limbs in place
when performing pulley or cycling
exercises
9 Exercise pulley (wall mounted) Upper limb exercises. Being immobile, it is
stable and safer for residents who do not
know how much strength to exert
10Stirrup type handles (optional) Facilitate upper limb mobilisation
C Mobility aids
1 Wheelchair )
2 Hemi-wheelchair )
3 Crutches ) Assist residents in their functional mobility
4 Walking frame/stick )
5 Quad stick )
6 Rollator walker )
D Assessment equipment and assistive devices
1 Assessment equipment
a) Goniometer a) Assess range of motion of joints
b) Tendon tapper b) Test reflexes
c) Stethoscope c) Lung sounds/athelectesis
2 ADL assistive devices Assist residents in feeding, writing, etc.
E Fixtures/Furniture
1 Overhead wire mesh Hang slings and pulleys
2 Geriatric chair with high back For residents to rest; to do activities (for
36
Rehabilitative equipment Uses
those with poor sitting balance); prevent
pressure sores from prolonged sitting
because chair is well-padded
3 Standard chair (stackable) For residents to do exercises in sitting
position or to rest
4 Low stools Truncal and upper limb exercises
5 Therapy swirling stools For PT or OT to attend to and treat patients
6 Wheelchair with detachable arm-rests For residents to do exercises in sitting
and leg-rests position (wheelchair can be put on brake)
7 Low couch Bed mobility activities
8 Wheelchair lapboards For residents with poor sitting balance to
engage in table-top activities
9 Wooden wall bars double section Improve the range of motion of shoulder
and knee; standing balance
10 Wooden staircase with rails Improve exercise tolerance; stair climbing
exercises
11 Parallel bars Non-weight bearing exercises; encourage
heel strike; train to walk
F Games
1 Bingo Simple mathematical skills and to
recognise numbers; facilitate alertness,
attention and social skills (Useful to reduce
the numbers on the cards and increase
font size of numbers on the cards)
2 Cards Social inter-personal skills; fine motor
activities; figure-ground information
understanding
3 Chess (Chinese/English) Strategic planning of the mind
4 Large sized Chinese checkers Mental alertness; fine motor activities
5 Basket ball Gross motor activity and bilateral upper
limb activities
6 Mahjong set, including table Social inter-personal skills; figure-ground
information; attention
7 Others, e.g. bowling set, memory play, Facilitate alertness, attention and social
jigsaw puzzles skills; gross motor activity and bilateral
upper limb activities
G Musical instruments
1 Guitar )
2 Simple keyboard )
3 Tape recorder/Combo hi-fi set )
4 Tambourines ) Auditory stimulation and group therapy
5 Maraccas )
6 Castanets )
7 Drumsticks )
8 Cymbals )
9 Triangles )
37
Rehabilitative equipment Uses
H Art and Craft
1 Art equipment, e.g. water colour sets, )
colour pencil sets, pencils, cartridge )
paper (for drawing), blunt nose )
scissors, rulers, erasers and ) Improve social and inter-personal skills;
sharpeners ) eye-hand and colour co-ordination;
2 Other Art & Craft, e.g. pottery making, ) tactile stimulation
Origami, lantern making, flower )
arrangement )
38
Annex 7
or
where:
39
Annex 8
Private
property/Executive No subsidy
Condominium
$301 - $700 50% HDB 3-room <= $20,000 No change
HDB 4- or 5-room No change
$20,001 - $50,000 less 25%
Multi-generation
HDB flat > $50,000 less 50%
Private
property/Executive No subsidy
Condominium
$701 - $1000 25% HDB 3-room <= $30,000 No change
HDB 4- or 5-room No change
> $30,000 less 25%
Multi-generation
HDB flat
Private
property/Executive No subsidy
Condominium
Above $1000 0% N.A. No change N.A. No change
40
A STEPS FOR CONDUCTING A MEANS TEST
1 Conducting a means test for nursing home patients involves the following
steps:
4 Total immediate family income includes the sum of the following gross
income of all immediate family members:
i) For patient and spouse, to include all streams of income, including wage,
rental, interest etc before deduction for CPF and tax.
41
ii) For parents, all children, and siblings staying with the patient, to
include all streams of income, including wage, rental, interest etc, before
deduction for CPF and tax.
42
Immediate family members include: Eligible dependants include:
Patient’s siblings who share the same Children and spouses of persons on the
residence as patient. left, who do not have income.
E.g. A young brother of the patient who stays with E.g. The working wife of a patient’s brother who
the patient and who has no income can be counted, stays with the patient cannot be counted as a
the rationale being that he would need to draw on dependant, the rationale being that she need not
the immediate family income. draw on the immediate family income.
i) Persons aged 16 years and above are counted as “1” person each;
iii) Persons not listed in Table 1, for e.g. patient’s in-laws, grandparents, and
other relatives, should not be counted even though they may stay with the
patient.
Step 3: Moderation of subsidy by savings [columns (e) & (f), page 40]
8 Savings can be in the form of cash, savings in banks, stocks and shares,
bonds, etc. The amount of subsidy to be reduced is in column (f) based on the
amount of savings in column (e). This is not implemented for the time being.
43
FLOW CHART FOR MEANS TESTING
44
APPLICATION FORM FOR GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY
FOR NURSING HOME CARE
Name :
NRIC : Age :
Sex : Race :
Address :
I confirm that the information given above is correct. I understand that if any of
the above information is false or misleading, action may be taken against me and I
will be liable for full payment of all relevant expenses for nursing home care.
Date
45
APPLICATION FORM FOR GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY
FOR NURSING HOME CARE
Total:
(Including Applicant) X 0.75
1
Includes applicant, applicant’s spouse, applicant’s parents, applicant’s children and siblings who
share the same residence, applicant’s children who stay away and have income.
2
Eligible dependents include spouse and children of those listed in column 1, and who do not
have incomes.
3
Refers to gross monthly income, including rental and interest income, of applicant and spouse,
before deduction for CPF etc. For applicant’s parents, children and siblings staying with
applicant, gross income includes all sources of income. Documents for verification – income tax
statement, pay slip or statutory declaration for those without pay slip or income tax statement, and
other supporting documents where applicable.
4
Children refer to persons less than 16 years of age.
46
Annex 9
Name of Organisation :
Address :
Telephone No. :
Fax No. :
Email Address :
47
Part II MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS
48
Part IV TYPE OF FUNDING REQUIRED
1. F Operating Subvention
2. F Rental Subsidy
Please complete the application form together with a write-up covering the following
areas:
1. Schedule of fees & charges for inpatient bed, miscellaneous charges, and deposits
(refundable and non-refundable) to be paid to a patient.
Part VI DECLARATION
I hereby certify that the information given above is true and complete.
I understand that the Ministry of Health reserves the right to reject my application, and
that the reason(s) for which the application is rejected need not necessarily be disclosed.
I also agree that I will accept the conditions in Appendix for the receipt of financial
support on behalf of the organisation, in the event that the application is successful. If
the organisation fails to abide by and discharge any of the conditions set out in
Appendix, the subsidy shall be terminated forthwith.
NRIC No Address
49
APPENDIX TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR THE RECEIPT OF GOVERNMENT
SUBSIDY FOR STEP-DOWN CARE (NURSING HOME)
c) The Nursing Home will accept any patient in need of nursing home care
referred by the Integrated Care Service, or any other of the Ministry of
Health’s designated agencies.
d) At least 80% of the residents are Category III and IV patients based on
Ministry of Health’s Resident Assessment Form.
e) Not more than 10% of the beds are set aside for non-subsidised patients.
Non-subsidised patients shall mean patients who pay more than the
prevailing Government norm cost.
g) A schedule of fees and charges for nursing home care, other charges,
deposits and any other charges to be paid by the patients is submitted to
MOH. The Nursing Home shall inform the Ministry of Health when
changes are made to the schedule.
h) Billing is provided for all patients receiving Government subsidy. The bill
shall indicate the amount of Government subsidy.
i) The number of medical and nursing staff and other related personnel are
sufficient for the prevailing case-mix of residents.
j) The Nursing Home will comply with all applicable provisions of the Private
Hospitals and Medical Clinics Act and its regulations, and the amendments
made thereafter.
50
l) After the close of each financial year, to submit to the Ministry of Health an
audited financial statement and workload within three months.
n) Retain the written records referred to in paragraph (m) above for a period
of 3 years after the close of the financial year in which the record was
made.
o) Any false information, claims and breach of conditions would render the
VWO ineligible for further funds, and funds paid on the basis of false
information will be recovered. Any VWO who contravenes or makes a
record that is false or misleading shall be guilty of an offence and shall be
liable for conviction under Section 41 of the Medical & Elderly Care
Endowment Schemes Act.
51
Annex 10
Chairperson
Advisor
Members
52