Extending Hospital-at-Home to Nursing Homes: Findings From a Novel Care Model in Singapore

Even with the development of home-based services and assisted living facilities, the institutionalization of older adults remains prevalent in a rapidly aging population. Nursing home (NH) residents often present with multiple comorbidities, cognitive impairment, frailty, and disabilities, making them more susceptible to acute illnesses that require hospitalization. Compared to community dwellers, nursing home residents experience longer hospital stays and a higher risk of functional decline. The average hospital length of stay for nursing home residents in Singapore is 8 days, surpassing the national average of 5 days. Frequent hospitalizations contribute to increased healthcare resource utilization without significant prognostic improvement, necessitating alternative care models.