Associate Professor James Low is a senior consultant and Head of the Department of Geriatric Medicine at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, where he is also lead clinician for long-term care. His clinical work spans inpatient geriatric care, palliative care consultancy and outpatient services. He has a longstanding interest in palliative and continuing care for older adults with advanced, life-limiting illness.
Clinical focus
Palliative and continuing (long-term) care in older adults.
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
MBBS, MRCP (UK), FAMS (Geriatric Medicine), as publicly listed.
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: Department of Geriatric Medicine, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital — Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Yishun
- Hospital / training affiliation(s): Head of Department, Geriatric Medicine, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
Getting to the clinic
Associate Professor James Low heads the Department of Geriatric Medicine at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, in the Yishun area in the north of Singapore. The hospital is conveniently placed for public transport: Yishun station (NS13) on the North-South Line is close by, with a short walk or feeder bus to the hospital. For frail or less mobile patients, a taxi or ride-hailing drop-off at the main entrance is often the easiest option.
- By MRT: alight at Yishun (NS13) and walk or take a short feeder bus to the hospital.
- By bus: several routes serve Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, with stops near the main entrances.
- By car or taxi: the hospital has a drop-off point and paid parking on site; taxi and ride-hailing pick-up is available.
Given that this practice often involves frail and seriously unwell patients, arranging accompaniment and a convenient drop-off can make the journey more comfortable.
What palliative and continuing care covers
Palliative and continuing care for older adults focuses on comfort, dignity and quality of life for those living with advanced, life-limiting illness, as well as on the longer-term care of older people with complex needs. The aim is to support the whole person, managing symptoms and providing care that fits the patient’s wishes and circumstances.
- Control of symptoms such as pain, breathlessness, nausea and distress.
- Care for older adults with advanced or life-limiting illness.
- Long-term and continuing care for those with complex, ongoing needs.
- Support for families and carers through difficult periods.
- Advance care planning and discussion of goals and preferences for care.
An important principle is that palliative care is about living as well as possible, not only about the final stages of illness. It can be provided alongside other treatment, and a central part of the work is honest, compassionate conversation about what matters most to the patient and their family.
What to expect at a consultation
A consultation usually begins with a careful history of the patient’s condition, symptoms, treatments and how the illness is affecting daily life and well-being. Family members are often involved, as their observations and support are important. The specialist will examine the patient and assess symptoms, mood, mobility and other needs, and may review or arrange relevant investigations.
The discussion then turns to the goals of care and a plan to manage symptoms and support quality of life. This may involve adjusting medications, arranging additional services and planning for future care in line with the patient’s wishes. Conversations are handled sensitively, with time given to the concerns of both patient and family.
Preparing for your appointment
Helpful items to bring include:
- Photo identification and any GP, polyclinic or hospital referral letter.
- Previous medical records, scans, test results and any specialist letters about the underlying condition.
- A complete and current list of all medications and supplements.
- A note of current symptoms and how they affect daily life, such as pain, sleep, appetite and mood.
- A written list of questions and any thoughts on the patient’s wishes for future care.
After your consultation and follow-up
After the consultation, a plan is put in place to manage symptoms and support the patient and family, with follow-up arranged to review how things are going and to adjust care as needs change. Reports and results are discussed openly. Continuity of care is central in this field, and the team will coordinate with other services, including community and home-care providers, to support the patient over time.
A second opinion can always be sought. Families should seek urgent help for a sudden change in the patient’s condition, uncontrolled pain or distressing symptoms, marked breathlessness, or new confusion, so that prompt support can be arranged.
Booking, referrals and fees
Within the public hospital system, a referral from a GP, polyclinic or another hospital service may be needed and can help with subsidised rates where the patient is eligible. For eligible care and procedures, MediSave, MediShield Life or an Integrated Shield Plan may apply within set limits, while consultations are generally at subsidised or out-of-pocket rates depending on eligibility. As arrangements vary, confirm fees and subsidy eligibility directly with the hospital.
Common questions
What is palliative care?
Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting quality of life for people with serious, advanced illness. It addresses physical, emotional and practical needs, and can be given alongside other treatment.
Is palliative care only for the very end of life?
No. It can begin earlier in the course of a serious illness and runs alongside other care. Its aim is to help the patient live as well as possible, not only to provide care in the final stages.
What is continuing or long-term care?
It is the ongoing care of older adults with complex, persistent needs, coordinated over time and often involving hospital, community and home-based services.
How can families be involved?
Families are encouraged to take part in discussions about goals of care, to share their observations, and to help support the patient. The team aims to support carers as well as patients.
Related guides
Sources & verification
See also: our editorial directory of geriatricians (doctors for older adults) in Singapore and our shortlist of geriatric clinics.
This is an independent, factual profile compiled from the public sources listed above — not a paid listing, advertisement or endorsement. Details can change; always verify a doctor’s current registration on the Singapore Medical Council public register and confirm specifics directly with the clinic. This page is general information, not medical advice or a recommendation of any individual practitioner. See our editorial policy.
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