Questions to Ask During a Nursing Home Visit (Singapore)

Visiting a nursing home in Singapore can feel overwhelming, especially if you are new to the process. The fastest way to reduce uncertainty is to ask questions that test (1) how care is delivered, (2) how costs work, and (3) how the home supports families day-to-day.

This checklist is designed for real visits. If you are also figuring out the subsidy path, read our guides on MOH nursing home subsidies and how to apply, and use documents needed for eldercare applications to avoid last-minute delays.

Essential questions about care quality

Start with daily routines and staffing coverage. These usually tell you more than “pretty facilities”:

• Staffing coverage: How many nurses/care staff are typically on duty during day and night shifts? Who covers meals and weekends?
• Care plans: Can you share a sample care plan (or explain how they build yours) for a resident with needs similar to my parent (e.g. dementia care, mobility support, wound care)?
• Medication and clinical monitoring: How are medications administered and documented? What is the process for reviewing care when health changes?
• Medical emergencies & transfers: What happens during an emergency or when hospital transfer is needed? Who contacts the family, and what information is shared?
• Dementia and mobility support: What dementia-related training do staff receive? If there are secure areas, how do residents move safely? How do you manage mobility risk and falls?

If your parent’s care needs are still “in-between”, also compare options with home care vs nursing home and consider bridging support like respite care.

Essential questions about costs, deposits, and subsidies

Get the full financial picture before you commit:

• Total monthly fees: What is included in the base charge, and what are common extras (e.g. diapers/continence products, laundry, therapies, special diets, transport, additional medication administration)?
• Subsidy support: Are you MOH/AIC-funded, and how does the subsidy application work with your admissions team? If you are comparing costs between options, see private vs subsidised nursing homes.
• Means-testing workflow: If subsidised, what documents do you collect and what timelines should families expect? Cross-check the process using documents for eldercare applications.
• Deposits and refund rules: What deposit amount is required, and under what conditions is it refunded?
• Fee changes: How do you communicate fee increases or subsidy-related changes? Ask what notice periods look like in practice.
• Trial / respite option: If we are unsure about a full move, can families start with a short respite stay or a structured trial period? Many homes can arrange short stays under the respite framework—ask about the options available at that home.

Essential questions about environment and daily life

While you are touring, try to observe and then confirm:

• Cleanliness and laundry: How often are rooms cleaned? What is the laundry process, and how do you handle personal belongings?
• Meals and special diets: How do you manage texture-modified foods, diabetic-friendly meals, halal options, and residents with swallowing difficulties?
• Activities and social contact: What does a typical weekday look like—morning routines, exercise, therapy, outings, and quiet time?
• Visiting hours and family involvement: What are visiting hours? Are there family councils or care conference sessions? How do you keep families informed?
• Feedback and complaints: What is the process for raising concerns, and what response time do families usually experience?
• Safety routines: How do you handle fall prevention, wandering risk (for dementia), and emergencies during activities?

Green flags vs red flags during a tour

Tips for new caregivers (so your visit stays useful)

• Go at mealtimes: You will see real routines and how the home supports different levels of need.
• Visit twice: If possible, tour once in the morning and once in the afternoon/evening to compare staffing and energy across shifts.
• Bring a notebook: Jot down the exact answers you were given and ask follow-ups. (If you take photos, get permission first.)
• Talk to families and residents (if appropriate): Their perspective often reveals what charts and brochures do not.
• Check CareAcross nursing home listings: Use CareAcross ratings and photos to cross-reference what you observe on the day. (Start from CareAcross nursing homes.)
• Trust your instincts: If you feel brushed off on care, fees, or complaints handling, it is okay to keep looking.

Next steps

Shortlist 2–3 homes using CareAcross by district, subsidy status, and ratings, then use this list during your tours. If you will be applying for subsidised placements, keep documents for eldercare applications open so you can align questions with what admissions teams actually need.

Ready to start? Browse top-rated nursing homes near your HDB and book your visits.