The Role of Palliative Care in Singapore for Better End of Life Support

We don’t often talk about it, but when someone we love is battling a serious illness, the journey can be daunting—for them and for us. You might feel unsure, overwhelmed, or even helpless at times. It’s not just about managing symptoms. It’s about finding ways to make every day a little more comfortable, a little more meaningful.

This push reflects growing demand of palliative care as more families face the challenge of ageing loved ones with serious illnesses. Many seniors and their families prefer continuity and comfort at home.

Singapore is expanding home palliative care services by 50%, reaching 3,600 home palliative slots by 2025—up from around 2,400 today. Inpatient beds and day hospice spaces are increasing too: about 300 inpatient beds and 140 day-hospice slots will be available by then.

At Alami Clinic, the focus is simple—improving the quality of life, easing suffering, and ensuring that families feel they’re not alone during one of life’s toughest journeys.

What Exactly Is Palliative Care?

At its core, palliative care is about quality of life—not just near the end of life, but throughout the journey of serious illness. It follows the World Health Organization’s definition: an approach that “improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing life-threatening illness, through prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems—physical, psychosocial and spiritual”

In Singapore, MOH defines palliative care as comprehensive support aimed at meeting:

• Physical needs: managing symptoms like pain, breathlessness, nausea, sleep disturbances

• Psychological and emotional needs: counselling, stress relief, helping patients and families cope

• Social and spiritual support: caregiver training, grief help, facilitating meaningful conversations

Why Palliative Care in Singapore Matters

In a busy city like Singapore, life moves quickly. Families juggle jobs, school runs, and caregiving all at once. And when illness strikes, it’s easy to feel lost. Palliative care bridges that gap, giving families the support they need so they can focus on what truly matters—being there for their loved one.

Here’s how it makes a difference:

1. Bringing Relief from Pain and Discomfort

No one should have to live with constant pain. Whether it’s chronic aches, shortness of breath, or sleepless nights, palliative care focuses on managing these symptoms effectively. At Alami Clinic, treatments are tailored to each person—because everyone’s pain is different.

When pain is under control, you start to see the little things again. A quiet meal shared with family. A good night’s sleep. A simple conversation. It’s these small moments that palliative care protects.

2. Providing Emotional Support

Illness doesn’t just hurt the body—it weighs on the mind and heart. Patients might feel scared or frustrated, and families often struggle with feelings of guilt, confusion, or sadness.

At Alami Clinic, the care team listens. Sometimes, patients need space to talk about their fears. Other times, families just need someone to remind them they’re doing their best. This emotional support is just as important as the physical care—it helps everyone feel seen, heard, and understood.

3. Guiding Families Through Decisions

What’s next? Should we try this treatment? How can we plan for the future? These questions can be overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling emotions and stress.

Palliative care is about helping families make decisions with clarity and confidence. The team at Alami Clinic explains options, provides guidance, and ensures everyone’s wishes are respected. It’s not about pushing families toward a choice—it’s about standing beside them as they make it.

4. Supporting Caregivers

Caregivers are the unsung heroes of this journey. Whether you’re helping with medication, attending doctor’s visits, or just sitting beside someone who’s having a tough day, it’s a demanding role. And it can feel lonely.

Palliative care offers practical help for caregivers. At Alami Clinic, families are provided with tips, tools, and emotional reassurance to make their role more manageable. After all, a strong caregiver means better care for the patient too.

Types of Palliative Care Offered by Alami Clinic

1. Home Visit Palliative Care in Singapore

Our geriatricians, led by Dr Nur Farhan Alami, conduct regular home visits to manage common symptoms in older adults—like pain, breathlessness, delirium, and incontinence. These visits include medication reviews, along with support from nurses or pharmacists, all coordinated with family caregivers.

2. Tele‑Consultation & Ongoing Support

Between visits, we stay connected through video calls and phone check-ins. This gentle continuity ensures the care that began in person carries on and adapts—especially helpful in delivering consistent and caring Palliative Care in Singapore directly to homes.

3. Clinic-Based Reviews & “Hospital‑at‑Home”

If a condition needs closer attention, patients can come in for on-site reviews—or can receive acute care at home. We provide intravenous medications, wound care, or other treatments typically requiring hospital admission. This setup reflects a modern shift in Palliative Care in Singapore, where hospital-level care can occur at home with proper medical oversight.

Why Early Palliative Care Is Life-Changing

Waiting until the last moment to seek palliative care can mean missing out on valuable time. Starting early allows patients to enjoy life with less pain, fewer hospital trips, and more moments of peace with family.

Imagine your loved one sitting comfortably at home, enjoying their favorite show, or sharing a meal without feeling overwhelmed by symptoms. That’s what early palliative care can offer—a chance to live well, even in the face of illness.

Comprehensive Support Services

At Alami Clinic, palliative care is as personal as it gets. The team doesn’t just see a medical condition, they see a person, a family, and a story that deserves care and respect. Here’s what makes their approach special:

• Symptom Relief: We focus on older adults’ real-life concerns like chronic pain, medication side effects, incontinence, and breathing troubles. We create symptom plans that respect each person’s routine and wishes.

• Emotional & Practical Care: Our trained clinical psychologist offers short-term counselling. During home visits, we teach caregivers essential skills—making day-to-day care smoother, less stressful, and more confident.

• Advance Planning & LPA Assistance: Dr Farhan is certified to guide families through Lasting Power of Attorney setup and advance-care discussions. She supports both medical decision-making and legal paperwork, all without stepping away from the home setting.

• Financial Guidance & Subsidies: We explain how to use CHAS, MediSave, ElderShield/CareShield Life payouts, and the Home Caregiving Grant. Alami Clinic helps manage MediSave claims (up to S$2,500 annually) and simplifies the process for families

A Growing Need in Singapore

With Singapore’s aging population, palliative care has never been more important. It’s not just about treating illness—it’s about ensuring that every individual, regardless of their condition, is treated with compassion and dignity.

At Alami Clinic, that’s the heart of their mission: to provide care that truly makes a difference. Because everyone deserves to feel valued, cared for, and at peace.

Taking the First Step

Talking about palliative care isn’t easy. It brings up fears, uncertainties, and emotions we’d often rather avoid. But reaching out can be the most loving thing you do—for your loved one and for yourself.

If you’re considering palliative care in Singapore, Alami Clinic is here to help. Their team of compassionate professionals will guide you, listen to you, and support you through every moment. You don’t have to face this journey alone.

Start the conversation today. Because in the end, palliative care isn’t just about managing illness—it’s about finding comfort, connection, and dignity in life’s most challenging moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who can benefit from palliative care?
  Anyone facing a serious illness—advanced cancer, organ failure, dementia, or multiple chronic conditions—can benefit. It’s about support at any stage, not just terminal illnes.

• When should we start discussing palliative care?
  As soon as serious illness begins. Early support helps manage symptoms, reduces emergency visits, and improves quality of life . With Alami Clinic, you can start conversations at home, step by step.

• Can we still receive treatment while on palliative care?
  Absolutely. Palliative care at Alami Clinic works alongside curative or life-prolonging treatments. We coordinate seamlessly with your current care team.

• How is palliative care in Singapore subsidised?
  Through government schemes like CHAS, MediSave (up to S$2,500/year), ElderShield or CareShield Life payouts, and the Home Caregiving Grant. Alami guides you through each option.

• How do we begin with Alami Clinic?
  Start with a call or WhatsApp: explain your situation and symptoms. We arrange a home visit by a geriatrician—followed by a clear care plan. Then we add telehealth check‑ins and schedule more visits as needed.