A Home Away from Home: 5th Anniversary of SLEC Residential-based Services

SLEC Board Members, CEO Adj A/Prof (Dr) Kenny Tan and Minister Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, with elders from SLEC Residence @ Ang Mo Kio. The elders, together with volunteers and elders from SLEC Residence @ Punggol, created the mosaic artwork as a token of appreciation for Minister Ong.

On 10 December 2025, SLEC celebrated the 5th anniversary of our residential-based services, joined by over 100 elders, staff, partners and members of the public. The occasion marked five years since we ventured into residential-based services in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic. Back in 2020, SLEC had opened earlier than planned to provide quarantine care for 11 seniors in need. What began as a bold step into new territory has since grown into one of the key pillars of our care continuum.

“It all began with a simple seed: a heartfelt desire to help seniors live well and leave well.” — Adj A/Prof (Dr) Kenny Tan, CEO of SLEC, reflecting during his opening address on the beginnings of our residential-based services

The event was held near SLEC Residence @ Ang Mo Kio, our first residence – and the only one to open in Singapore during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was graced by Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies. More than just marking a milestone, the celebration brought together our community who had journeyed alongside us – including elders, caregivers, partners, volunteers and colleagues.  

“When I first heard about St Luke’s ElderCare, it was during COVID, and it was indeed about your heroic deeds.” — Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies

Our Vision for Our Residences

At the event, Adj A/Prof (Dr) Kenny Tan shared about SLEC’s vision for our residences, using the acronym HOME:

• H – a “home away from home”, where elders feel supported and loved, just like in their own family
• O – a home filled with opportunities for elders to explore new interests and connect with the community
• M – a home where elders can freely be themselves and feel emotionally safe
• E – a home for everyone – care recipients, caregivers, colleagues and community partners

As we look forward to the official opening of our second residence, SLEC Residence @ Punggol, in May 2026, and the completion of our third residence in Bukit Panjang in the same year, we remain committed to keeping this vision alive across all our nursing homes – making each one a place where elders can live well and leave well.

A Home Built Not by Walls, but by Community

In 2025, more than 1,000 volunteers and over 60 volunteer groups came on board to spread joy to our elders. From taking elders out for trishaw rides to giving haircuts, they contributed over 3,400 dedicated hours of Super Loving, Extra Caring care for our elders!

SLEC staff and volunteers invited members of the public to join us in celebration.

To show our heartfelt appreciation to the community, including our SLEC Residence @ Ang Mo Kio neighbours who warmly welcomed us into their neighbourhood, we celebrated with a community event featuring balloons and nostalgic treats.

Each guest also received a mosaic coaster lovingly crafted by elders, volunteers, and staff — a meaningful symbol of unity and togetherness. The design was inspired by the mosaic tables commonly found at HDB void decks, which are also replicated at SLEC Residence @ Ang Mo Kio.

Volunteers from New Creation Church crafted mosaic coasters with our elders.

Even as we celebrate this meaningful milestone, we thank our community whose hearts and hands truly make our residences a “Home Away from Home”!