New centre brings robotics therapy closer to seniors

Bukit Batok facility enables them to receive help in the community instead of at hospitals

- Ariel Yu

A new robotics rehabilitation centre has just been opened in Bukit Batok, bringing advanced robotics therapy closer to elderly residents.

St Luke’s ElderCare Day Rehabilitation Centre @ Bukit Batok Central, which opened on July 5 at Block 229 Bukit Batok East Avenue 3, will enable residents to get the help they need in the community instead of having to travel to hospitals.

The centre was officially opened by Minister of State for Law and Transport and Bukit Batok MP Murali Pillai. It will be operational from July 9.

Advanced robotics therapy enhances physical rehabilitation for patients recovering from injuries, illnesses or surgery by employing a range of robotic devices to train lost body functions.

Access to advanced robotics in rehabilitation is currently limited to institutions and hospitals such as Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Changi General Hospital and Sengkang General Hospital.

Dr Kenny Tan, chief executive officer of healthcare provider St Luke’s ElderCare, said its goal is to support ageing in communities by leveraging advanced technology and robotics, alongside personalised rehabilitation plans developed by its therapists.

“We want to ensure as many elders as possible can access the care they need conveniently and comfortably, close to home,” said Dr Tan, who is also an adjunct associate professor of the health and social sciences cluster at the Singapore Institute of Technology.

Conventional physiotherapy focuses on helping patients regain movement, strength and flexibility after injuries, illnesses or surgery, and can be challenging for both patients and physiotherapists.