Lianhe Zaobao explores how nursing homes can evolve beyond traditional models to support seniors’ medical, emotional and social wellbeing, while helping them remain connected to the communities around them.
5 April 2026 – As Singapore prepares for the needs of a super-aged society, a Lianhe Zaobao report highlighted calls for nursing homes to provide more than clinical care, with greater emphasis on residents’ quality of life, community participation and sense of meaning.
Healthcare experts interviewed for the article noted that as seniors live longer with frailty, dementia and increasingly complex health conditions, closer collaboration between nursing homes and hospitals will become increasingly important. Stronger coordination could help residents receive the care they need while reducing the need for frequent trips to hospital.
The article also highlighted the importance of designing nursing homes as part of everyday community life. Experts suggested creating more opportunities for residents to interact with surrounding neighbourhoods, participate in community activities and maintain meaningful roles and relationships as they age.
A more home-like and liveable environment was another key theme. Rather than viewing nursing homes solely as care institutions, the report called for environments that incorporate greenery, spaces for leisure and opportunities for social connection, helping residents continue to experience familiarity, autonomy and belonging.
These perspectives resonate with One Aged Care’s belief that quality aged care should honour the whole person. Beyond addressing health and care needs, good care should support dignity, connection and meaningful everyday living — while enabling seniors to remain connected to their families and communities.
As care needs continue to evolve, OAC remains committed to advancing more integrated and human-centred models of care across the ageing journey.
Read the full article on Lianhe Zaobao: 学者：疗养院模式应让住院者既“疗身”也“疗心” (Experts: Nursing Homes Should Care for Both Physical Health and Emotional Wellbeing)
