SPOTLIGHT #3: ELEVATING RESIDENTIAL CARE WITH TECHNOLOGY

From meal-delivery robots to an anti-gravity treadmill for low-impact rehabilitation, MWS is harnessing innovative technologies across our residential homes to enhance manpower efficiency and elevate the quality of care.

Bringing Smart Care to Our Third Nursing Home

In FY2024/25, MWS opened our third Nursing Home. This comes as Singapore faces a rapidly ageing society, where one in five Singaporeans will be aged 65 and above by 2026, placing our nation in the super-aged category.

Aligned with national efforts to expand care infrastructure, the new Nursing Home strengthens MWS’ commitment to holistic, 24/7 residential and rehabilitative care.

Co-located with MWS Senior Care Centre and SingHealth Polyclinic in Eunos, the 171-bed facility offers integrated access to healthcare, rehabilitation, and palliative services. While our other Nursing Homes also adopt innovative technologies, this is our first with large-scale tech integration – made possible through the generous support of our founding partner, Wesley Methodist Church.

Some of the tech enablement include:

  • Automated Showering System: Nurses wheel the resident into the device, ensure their comfort, and activate the shower with a single button. Bathing time is reduced from 15 to 5 minutes, offering a quicker, more comfortable experience. One user, 86-year-old Yap Eng Hway (pictured above), previously resisted bathing for weeks while under home care. Since her admission, she now willingly showers daily – greatly improving her hygiene, comfort, and emotional well-being.
  • Autonomous Mobile Robot: Transports food and laundry to collection points.
  • Ceiling Hoist (Transfer): Assists in safe, efficient transfers for residents who are bed-bound. 
These technologies streamline workflows, reduce injury risks, and enhance manpower efficiency – allowing our care team to focus on providing quality care and improving residents’ well-being. Plans are underway to roll out some of these innovative technologies to other MWS Nursing Homes.

Reclaiming Mobility, Restoring Independence

Success Story #1: Walking Again at 74

Launched at MWS Nursing Home – Yew Tee, the Reconditioning Project is an intensive rehabilitation programme designed for residents with strong recovery potential. It leverages advanced tools like an anti-gravity treadmill – which uses air pressure to reduce body weight for low-impact walking – and a vibration therapy device to improve strength and balance. One beneficiary was 74-year-old Tan SB. When he was admitted in July 2024, he was unable to walk and relied on a longterm catheter. But with consistent therapy under the project, he progressed from wheelchair use to walking independently. By January 2025, he had regained enough mobility and independence to return home.

Success Story #2: From Spills to Smiles

At MWS Christalite Methodist Home, robotic hand glove training was piloted to help stroke survivors regain hand function through assisted, repetitive exercises. Seng*, 74, lives with hemispatial neglect – a condition caused by a stroke that limits awareness and use of his left side. This made everyday tasks like eating, holding objects, and participating in activities difficult, often leaving Seng frustrated, especially during mealtimes due to frequent spillage from poor grip and coordination. In August 2024, robotic hand glove therapy was incorporated into his rehabilitation. After 24 sessions, Seng showed significant improvement in grip strength and control, and could perform tasks like picking up and stacking objects. Today, he eats with greater ease and independence, and is visibly more cheerful during meals and group activities.

*Name has been changed for privacy