The annual Gala Dinners of St John’s Home for the Elderly Persons (SJH) have always been important occasions for its supporters, staff and residents to celebrate and renew their commitment to its mission of providing a sanctuary for seniors without homes or family support. SJH’s Gala Dinner on 15 Aug this year was especially meaningful, as it was dedicated to raising funds to support SJH’s transition to a nursing home by Sep 2026. This change is in line with Singapore’s commitment to address the needs of an ageing population. As a nursing home, SJH will be equipped to care for wheelchair-bound and bedridden individuals from both within the community and beyond, while continuing to support our current residents.  

Address by Madam Halimah Yacob

 

SJH was honoured by Madam Halimah Yacob’s presence at its Gala Dinner and encouraged by her continual support for its transition to a nursing home. Madam Halimah commended SJH for offering comfort, dignity and fostering a gotong royong spirit within its community. Through her prior engagements with SJH residents, Madam Halimah observed that they were happy and well-cared for. Madam Halimah expressed anticipation for SJH’s transition, recognising that this development will enable SJH to offer enhanced medical care, specialised services, and sustained nursing support for residents throughout their lives. Additionally, this change positions SJH to cater to a broader range of Singaporeans requiring assisted living, including younger individuals. The planned transition reflects SJH’s commitment to supporting national initiatives aimed at addressing the needs of frail and chronically ill Singaporeans.

Madam Halimah further stressed the importance of community support in realising SJH’s objective of delivering modern facilities equipped to address the increasingly complex health requirements of Singapore’s ageing population. She encouraged collective unity and purpose among stakeholders as SJH embarks on this new chapter of care, with the shared goal of providing exceptional, continuous care, promoting graceful ageing, and enabling fulfilling lives for residents throughout their later years.

Continuity of care matters

Chairman Andrew Lioe explained that the leadership of SJH was motivated to make the strategic decision to transition to a nursing home by Sep 2026 due to the importance of providing continuity of care to our residents.

SJH must update its care model to address residents’ evolving needs as they age. Remaining as a sheltered home means discharging residents when they are most vulnerable, which undermines SJH’s mission to provide a safe sanctuary. Transitioning to a nursing home will allow SJH to support residents with increasing health requirements - ensuring continuity of care, allowing them to stay among familiar faces and friends, preserving their dignity or care and quality of life.

The experiences of long-term residents such as Aunty Jessie, who was discharged from SJH due to its non-nursing home status and subsequently passed away in a Transition Care Facility, prompted us to consider enhancing our care services. Similarly, for Aunty Hui Hwa, whose declining health required her to be transferred from SJH, resulted in separation from her close companions, further strengthened SJH’s resolve to pursue this transition. Uncle Tan also faced uncertainty about his place at SJH when he experienced health complications but later returned once his condition stabilized. Even his daughter is fully supportive of SJH's prospective transformation into a nursing home, which would allow him to remain with SJH.

These cases illustrate the necessity for SJH to evolve its model of care, ensuring that residents can stay in a familiar environment even as their needs change. The goal is to prevent unnecessary relocations during vulnerable periods, reduce social isolation, and preserve meaningful relationships, thereby supporting residents to maintain dignity through all stages of life. As echoed in the lyrics of a beloved Singaporean song that SJH “is home surely, as my senses tell me, this is where I won’t be alone, for this is where I know is home.

The challenges ahead

Ms. Pearl Lee, a former board member of SJH, stated that the decision to convert SJH into a nursing home was reached after three years of careful deliberation - a milestone as it marks - a first for a sheltered elderly home in Singapore. In contrast, other organisations chose to become nursing homes from the outset, allowing them to tap and enjoy MOH’s pre-funding. Despite significant challenges, SJH’s Board proceeded with the transition to better support Singapore’s changing demographic landscape. SJH’s management is now in the process of obtaining different approvals from various authorities, including having to undergo MOH’s inspection audit in 2026 to obtain their 2-year nursing home operating license.

Dr Alan Wong, Chief Operating Officer of St Luke's Eldercare and appointed IT Consultant to SJH during its transition, stated that complying with and passing MOH’s Healthcare Services Act (HCSA) and Healthcare Information Bill (HIB) can be complex. The process includes a variety of changes, from simple adjustments such as modifying the width of window openings in residents' rooms to more extensive structural adaptations. Dr Wong shared that, “Every bit of financial help, big or small, counts” during the initial phase to support SJH in implementing these required modifications.

Hopes of SJH residents

 
On the right: Madam Fong Keng


On the left: Mr Thomas

Two residents, Madam Fong Keng and Mr Thomas, who performed at the Gala Dinner shared their experience of living at SJH and their hopes for the future. Madam Fong Keng performed in a group dance set to the song “Good Time” to celebrate SJH’s transition to a nursing home. Mr Thomas sang the iconic Leo Sayer song “More than I can say” in a trio.

Madam Fong Keng expressed her appreciation to perform at the Gala Dinner, recognising it as an honour to perform for the supporters, staff and residents. She enjoys SJH’s nursing care, living conditions, and made two good friends. She supports SJH’s transition to a nursing home and hopes that “others will also support the change.”

Mr Thomas was admitted to SJH two years ago following a stroke. He also appreciates the excellent nursing care and the supportive environment at SJH. Staff are helpful and attentive to his needs. He likes the daily programmes offered to residents and, as a former musician, enjoys the music programmes.

Mr Thomas mused that he is growing older and weaker. He wants to avoid the upheaval of being forced to move from SJH. He does not want to suffer the trauma which Madam Hui Hwa experienced when she had to leave SJH as her health needs escalated. Mr Thomas supports SJH’s transition to a nursing home as SJH can then meet the future needs of all the residents. He was happy to contribute to SJH’s transition to a nursing home by performing at the Gala Dinner. Mr Thomas encourages the community “to support SJH and contribute to its transition”.

Join us as we embark on a New Chapter of Care!