End-of-life care for those who cannot be cared for at home.
Introduction
Inpatient Hospice Palliative Care Service (IHPCS) provides medical and emotional support for patients with serious illnesses who can no longer be cared for at home. The goal is to improve their quality of life by relieving pain and discomfort, and support both the patient and their caregivers.
Who is this service for
This is for patients with a serious illness with:
- Prognosis of less than 3 months AND
- Require specialised care that cannot be provided at home, at a centre or in a nursing home
- Prognosis of 12 months or less AND
- Require time-limited care of up to 28 calendar days for severe symptoms that cannot be managed in the community
Services provided
Services include:
- Specialist palliative care focusing on the management of symptoms such as pain, breathlessness, nausea and vomiting
- Emotional, spiritual and grief support and counselling
- Palliative rehabilitation, including physiotherapy and occupational therapy
- Music and art therapy
IHPCS is available at inpatient hospices and most community hospitals. Refer to this listing to find out who the IHPCS service providers are.
Cost
Please check with the IHPCS service providers on the cost. The amount varies based on your household’s income.
Government subsidies* are available. MediShield Life and MediSave can also be used to cover costs. If you still need help with the fees, please check with the service provider if there are any other forms of financial assistance.
*To qualify for subsidies, your loved one will need to be a Singapore Citizen or PR. Subsidies are also means-tested (i.e. there is an income criteria).
Click here to find out more about means-testing.
How to apply
An application for IHPCS can be made by any doctor caring for your loved one.
Upon reviewing the application, the hospice will inform the referring doctor/ institution on the outcome.
Approved applications will then be allocated a date for the hospice admission.
You can also visit an AIC Link to get help with the application.
