Care for older people in Oman is anchored in family ties and longstanding community traditions, with relatives typically taking on the central caregiving role for elderly members of the household. The state reinforces this model through social welfare initiatives, a national Social Protection Fund, and a government-run residential home in Rustaq — though access to these services is largely confined to Omani citizens. Expatriates must generally make their own arrangements through private care providers, home-nursing companies, and international health insurance policies.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary care model | Family-based; residential facilities are a last resort for those without family support |
| State residential care | Social Welfare Home in Rustaq (government-run); Omani nationals only |
| Old Age Benefit eligibility | Omani citizens aged 60+; administered by the Social Protection Fund (as of 2025) |
| Foster/alternative family support | OMR 100–150/month paid to approved foster families caring for elderly (as of 2025) |
| Expat access to public care | Very limited; expats generally ineligible for state-funded residential elder care |
| Private health insurance | Mandatory for most private-sector expats under the Dhamani scheme; long-term care cover requires specialist international policies |
How are elderly people regarded and treated in Oman?
In Oman, older people are seen as the living custodians of national memory, carrying forward values and wisdom that have quietly shaped successive generations. Growing older is not perceived as a time of diminishment, but rather as a stage of life entitled to dignity, reverence, and attentive care. This perspective is woven into both Islamic teaching and the broader fabric of Omani cultural identity, making the care of one’s elders a moral and religious obligation rather than a matter of public policy alone.
Providing for older relatives is regarded in Oman as both a religious duty and a cherished social norm. The dominant model of care is therefore family-centred: elderly individuals typically live with or close to their adult children and grandchildren, who shoulder the responsibilities of day-to-day support. This contrasts markedly with countries such as Sweden or Germany, where publicly funded residential and nursing care is a mainstream choice available to all older people regardless of their family circumstances.
This deeply held conviction has guided the Ministry of Social Development in making the welfare of older citizens a central policy priority, developing programmes that maintain the warmth of family relationships while ensuring professional assistance reaches those with the greatest needs. The government’s overarching vision emphasises empowerment and community participation rather than institutionalisation, keeping older people engaged in their social networks for as long as possible.
Oman’s elderly population numbered approximately 181,241 in 2024, a figure projected to climb to around 385,395 by 2040. These trends make the expansion and diversification of elderly care services an urgent national concern. As this demographic transition gathers pace, both government and private providers are beginning to invest more substantially in formal care infrastructure.
What state or publicly funded elderly care is available in Oman?
The Ministry of Social Development is the government body responsible for improving the well-being of individuals and families across the Sultanate. Within the field of elder care, it administers several distinct programmes covering financial aid, home-based support, community services, and residential placement for those who lack a family network.
The Old Age Benefit Programme delivers monthly financial support to Omani citizens aged 60 and above, establishing a baseline of social protection and economic security for this group and reflecting the state’s broader commitment to social welfare. Applications can be submitted through the Social Protection Fund’s online portal, where beneficiaries log in, confirm their civil number, update their personal contact and residence details, and provide a valid bank account for payment purposes. For current eligibility thresholds and benefit amounts — which are subject to periodic revision — consult the Social Protection Fund website directly.
The government also provides residential accommodation for elderly persons at the Social Care Home in the Wilayat of Rustaq, delivering comprehensive social, healthcare, and recreational services on site. Under the Social Security framework, the Ministry additionally aims to pay a monthly retirement benefit to those reaching the age of 60, and to identify foster families for seniors who have no immediate relatives able to care for them.
One of the ministry’s most distinctive schemes is the Alternative Family Care Programme, through which elderly individuals are placed with volunteer families who provide care on a non-commercial basis. In the first half of 2025, 36 elderly Omanis benefited from this arrangement. Participating families may be distant relatives, neighbours, or entirely unrelated households, provided they can offer independent accommodation and stable living conditions.
Foster families who take on an active caring role for elderly individuals may receive financial support of between OMR 100 and OMR 150 per month (as of 2025), subject to approval by the Ministry’s Undersecretary. A medical allowance of OMR 20 per month may additionally be added to a pension for qualifying social security households. Always verify the most current figures on the Ministry of Social Development website.
The eldercare framework operates as a joint effort between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Social Development, which examines the circumstances of elderly individuals from both economic and social standpoints and considers the availability of home-based caregivers. The Ministry of Health also runs a community nursing service through which dedicated teams visit elderly people in their homes and administer the medical care they require.
The Ministry has recently issued regulations for the establishment of Day Care Centres for the Elderly — facilities encouraged through private sector and civil society participation that offer daytime social, psychological, cultural, and recreational services while keeping the family unit at the heart of the care arrangement.
What residential, care home, and nursing home options exist in Oman?
Residential care facilities are considerably less prevalent in Oman than in many other countries. The overwhelming majority of elderly people continue to live within the family home and are supported by relatives; formal residential placement is typically reserved for older individuals who have no family or whose relatives are genuinely unable to provide adequate care.
The most significant government-run residential facility is the Social Welfare Home in the Wilayat of Rustaq. Residents receive ongoing medical attention through regular health check-ups and around-the-clock supervision, together with psychological and social support services. Meals are tailored to each resident’s medical requirements to ensure appropriate nutrition. Daily life incorporates a range of cultural, religious, and recreational activities, including light physical exercise programmes, cultural evenings, religious sessions, and craft workshops.
To be admitted to the government residential centre, an applicant must be an Omani national aged over 60. Processing takes approximately one week from the date the application is lodged. Cases are ordinarily referred through a government hospital operating under the Ministry of Health. Given the limited number of residential facilities in Oman, waiting times can occur, and prospective residents should anticipate the possibility of a queue.
Ministerial Decision No. 169/2025, issued by the Ministry of Social Development, represents a significant development in the governance of institutional care, requiring government-run homes for the elderly to deliver comprehensive social, health, psychological, cultural, and recreational services. The regulations also oblige these institutions to create a suitable living environment and to liaise with relevant authorities to manage residents’ financial affairs appropriately.
On the private side, the residential and nursing care market in Oman is still developing, though the number of providers is growing. The quality of private care homes varies considerably, partly because of the relatively small number of facilities in operation. The government has established minimum standards of care, but thorough research and a focus on reputation are essential when evaluating options. The Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Health are the main regulatory bodies responsible for overseeing standards and conducting inspections of care facilities; always confirm a facility’s accreditation status directly with these ministries before making a commitment.
How much does elderly care cost in Oman?
The cost of residential care in Oman varies considerably depending on the type of facility, its location, and the level of clinical support required. Because the private residential care market is still maturing, published fee schedules are not always easy to find, and contacting providers directly for current pricing is advisable.
For private home nursing and home care services, providers such as Care 24 and KIMS Health at Home operate across Muscat and offer a spectrum of services — from daily nurse visits and medication management through to full-time live-in care. Home nursing is particularly well suited to geriatric patients and those recovering from surgery, with trained professionals delivering wound care, medication oversight, and assistance with daily living activities. Private home nursing visits in Oman typically cost in the region of OMR 15–30 per registered nurse visit (as of 2025), though continuous residential nursing support carries substantially higher costs. Confirm current rates directly with individual providers, as fees are subject to change.
Live-in domestic carers — a widespread arrangement in Oman — are generally less expensive than agency-sourced clinical nurses, but may not possess the specialist medical competencies that some elderly people’s conditions demand. Families who rely on this model should be aware of its limitations, particularly where complex health needs are involved.
Where private residential care facilities do exist, their fees can be considerably higher. Costs for full nursing home placement across the Gulf region broadly range from OMR 600 to OMR 2,000 or more per month depending on clinical dependency, though Oman-specific benchmarks remain scarce in the public domain. Request a detailed fee schedule from any facility you are seriously considering, and check whether the Ministry of Health or Ministry of Social Development publishes any cost guidance for licensed facilities.
Can expats access elderly care in Oman, and are there any restrictions?
Government residential care in Oman requires applicants to hold Omani nationality. This means that foreign nationals are not eligible for state-funded residential elder care, including placement in the Social Welfare Home in Rustaq or participation in the Alternative Family Care Programme. Likewise, the Old Age Benefit financial assistance scheme is reserved exclusively for Omani citizens.
The Ministry of Health provides free universal healthcare to all Omani nationals and expatriates employed in the government sector, including access to mental health services and associated medications. However, this entitlement to free primary and secondary health services does not extend to residential or long-term nursing care — even for government-sector employees.
The expatriate workforce in the private sector is largely covered through employer-arranged insurance. Once an expat retires and ceases employment, employer-sponsored cover normally comes to an end, leaving retirees responsible for sourcing their own health and care insurance independently.
Oman does not currently operate a formal long-term residency or retirement visa pathway comparable to, for example, Portugal’s D8 visa or Thailand’s retirement visa, which are designed to grant long-term stays specifically to retirees. Most expats in Oman reside on employment or dependent visas linked to a sponsor; when that sponsorship concludes, maintaining lawful residency requires alternative arrangements. This has significant implications for long-term care planning: expats who anticipate needing residential care as they age should factor visa continuity into their preparations from an early stage. Contact the Royal Oman Police (Directorate General of Passports and Residence) for current visa and residency conditions.
What private elderly care and international options are available in Oman?
Although publicly funded options remain limited for expats, Oman’s private care sector is expanding in response to growing demand. A number of private home-care providers now operate across Muscat and other major urban centres, serving both Omani and expatriate clients.
Care 24 presents itself as one of Oman’s leading healthcare service providers, with a stated mission to improve patients’ quality of life. It offers specialist caregivers with expertise in occupational therapy and Ayurvedic treatments, and also runs Day Home Care services through which nurses visit patients at set times each day to provide essential daily care and support.
Expatriates are generally expected to hold private health insurance, and private hospitals — which tend to be better equipped and more likely to offer services in multiple languages — are especially popular within the expatriate community. Well-established private healthcare networks operating in the country include Apollo Hospital Muscat, Muscat Private Hospital, and Badr Al Samaa.
Specialist dementia and memory care residential facilities are not yet widely available in Oman, in contrast to more developed elder-care markets such as the UK or Australia. Families supporting a relative with dementia or advanced neurological conditions may need to explore options in neighbouring countries — Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE, for instance, have a considerably broader range of specialist residential care facilities — or consider medical repatriation to the family’s country of origin.
The choice between local and international health insurance depends on factors including the expected duration of stay, budget constraints, and specific healthcare requirements. Local insurance is typically more affordable and may cover basic healthcare within the Omani system, but may not extend to specialised treatments or medical repatriation. International policies that include repatriation cover therefore warrant serious consideration for older expats in particular.
What role does health insurance play in covering elderly care in Oman?
Oman has introduced a mandatory health insurance scheme known as Dhamani, covering private sector employees, expatriates, and foreign visitors. Under the scheme’s requirements, employers must pay the applicable insurance premium. Policies must cover inpatient treatment, emergency services, management of basic illnesses, and medicines prescribed by a physician licensed by the Ministry of Health.
The Dhamani scheme is, however, tied to active employment and does not extend to long-term residential or nursing care. Once a person retires or otherwise leaves the workforce, this cover lapses. Expats who intend to remain in Oman into older age — or who have an elderly dependent arriving to join them — should therefore make separate arrangements for long-term care or international health insurance well before retirement approaches.
In Health Vision 2050, the Ministry of Health emphasised that government regulatory oversight would be maintained within the insurance system to uphold service quality. The insurance framework was originally conceived to address the needs of the expatriate population and is now being expanded to cover the entire population as a mechanism to reduce government healthcare expenditure and achieve universal coverage through public-private partnership.
When evaluating private health insurance policies for elderly care purposes, pay particular attention to: whether long-term nursing and residential care are covered; what provisions exist for dementia and memory care; whether medical repatriation is included; and how pre-existing conditions are treated. International insurance products designed for long-term overseas residents are generally far better suited to older expats than short-term business travel policies. If you are managing a chronic condition such as diabetes or hypertension, confirm that the policy covers follow-up consultations, diagnostic tests, and ongoing prescriptions.
Standard private medical insurance policies — even comprehensive ones — frequently exclude long-term custodial care: that is, ongoing assistance with everyday activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating that does not involve active medical treatment. Scrutinise policy exclusions with care before purchasing any plan.
What should expats consider when planning for elderly care in Oman?
Preparing for elder care as an expat in Oman requires careful thought across a range of interconnected legal, financial, and practical dimensions that carry far less weight in countries with comprehensive universal social care systems.
- Understand your visa and residency status: Oman’s residency framework is primarily employment-driven. Determine early on whether your visa arrangements will remain viable as you grow older and whether dependent relatives can be legally sponsored to live with you. Contact the Royal Oman Police for the current rules on residency.
- Arrange long-term care insurance early: Age-related premium increases make comprehensive cover more costly — or simply harder to obtain — the longer you wait. Secure a policy that specifically includes nursing and residential care well before such services become necessary.
- Put a power of attorney in place: Oman recognises powers of attorney, but the requirements for foreign nationals differ from those in many other jurisdictions. A locally valid, notarised power of attorney ensures that a trusted individual can manage your financial and medical affairs should you lose mental capacity. Work with a lawyer who is registered to practise in Oman.
- Understand advance care directive limitations: Advance care directives — sometimes called living wills — are not formally enshrined in Omani law in the same way as in several European countries. Make your wishes known explicitly to family members and treating physicians, and take legal advice on how best to document your preferences within the local legal framework.
- Know your next-of-kin rights: For foreign nationals, the rights of next of kin — particularly with regard to medical consent and property — may be governed by a combination of Omani law and the law of your country of origin. Seek guidance from a legal professional with experience of expat matters in Oman.
- Plan for emergency repatriation: If your care needs come to exceed what is locally available, returning to your country of origin or travelling to a third country may be necessary. Ensure your insurance policy includes medical evacuation and repatriation cover, and keep your consular contact details up to date.
- Engage a financial adviser: Working with a financial adviser who has experience in expat retirement planning across the Gulf is strongly recommended. While Oman levies no income tax, rules governing pension drawdown, inheritance, and asset transfers for foreign nationals can be complex and may require specialist guidance.
What are the best official sources of information on elderly care in Oman?
When investigating elderly care in Oman, always prioritise official government sources over third-party directories, since fees, eligibility requirements, and facility listings change on a regular basis. The most relevant official channels are listed below:
- Ministry of Social Development: The lead ministry for elderly care programmes, residential facilities, and social welfare support. Visit msd.gov.om or the Oman government portal at gov.om for service descriptions and eligibility criteria.
- Social Protection Fund (SPF): Administers the Old Age Benefit and associated financial support programmes for Omani citizens. Visit spf.gov.om for registration guidance and current benefit rates.
- Ministry of Health (MoH): Oversees public healthcare provision, community nursing programmes for elderly people, and the accreditation of private health facilities. Visit moh.gov.om for information on community health services and facility standards.
- Royal Oman Police — Directorate General of Passports and Residence: For visa and residency enquiries relevant to long-term stays in Oman. Visit rop.gov.om.
- Capital Markets Authority (CMA): Regulates Oman’s insurance sector, including health insurance policies under the Dhamani scheme. Visit cma.gov.om for insurance regulations and lists of licensed providers.
- Oman Unified Government Services Portal: A central access point for all government services, including social care. Visit gov.om.
Specific fees, benefit amounts, and eligibility conditions should always be confirmed through these official channels. Policies are revised regularly, and information from third-party sources — including this article — may not reflect the very latest developments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elderly Care in Oman
Is there a government-funded care home for elderly people in Oman?
Yes — the Ministry of Social Development runs a Social Care Home in Rustaq, offering residents a full range of social, healthcare, and recreational services. Access is restricted to Omani nationals aged over 60. Expatriates are not eligible for placement in this facility and must seek private alternatives instead.
Can expats get state financial support for elderly care in Oman?
The Old Age Benefit Programme is open exclusively to Omani citizens aged 60 and above. Foreign nationals, regardless of the length of time they have lived in Oman, have no entitlement to this financial assistance or to social security pension payments. Expats must draw on personal savings, private insurance, and any employer-provided benefits.
What happens if an expat family member in Oman suddenly needs residential care?
In an urgent situation, the private healthcare sector — including facilities such as Apollo Hospital Muscat and Muscat Private Hospital — can provide short-term care. For longer-term residential needs, families should approach private home-care providers such as Care 24 and consider whether medical repatriation is the appropriate course of action. Holding a comprehensive international health insurance policy that covers emergency medical evacuation is essential, and arrangements should be in place before any crisis occurs.
Are there memory care or dementia-specialist facilities in Oman?
Dedicated memory care and dementia-specialist residential facilities are not yet widely available in Oman. Families navigating a dementia diagnosis typically arrange private home nursing or, in more advanced cases, explore specialist facilities in the UAE — particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi — or pursue repatriation to the family’s home country. For the most current local referral pathways, speak with the Ministry of Health or the geriatric department of a private hospital.
Will there be language barriers in care settings in Oman?
Private hospitals in Oman are generally better resourced and frequently offer services in multiple languages, which explains their popularity among the expatriate community. Government facilities and community nursing programmes operate primarily in Arabic. Where language is a concern, seek out private providers whose staff are experienced in working across multilingual environments, or arrange for a bilingual carer or interpreter to support your relative’s care.
Does my employer’s health insurance in Oman cover nursing home care?
The Dhamani mandatory insurance scheme requires plans to cover inpatient treatment, emergency care, management of basic illnesses, and prescribed medications. It does not require coverage for long-term residential or nursing home care. The majority of standard employer-arranged policies will not fund custodial or nursing home placements. Read your policy documents carefully and, if uncertain, contact your insurer to establish precisely what long-term care support — if any — your plan provides.
How is the quality of private care homes in Oman regulated?
Ministerial Decision No. 169/2025 has introduced new governance requirements for government-run elderly care homes, mandating the delivery of comprehensive social, health, psychological, cultural, and recreational services. For private facilities, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Social Development serve as the principal regulatory bodies. Before choosing any care facility, request documentation of its regulatory status and the findings of its most recent inspection, and verify these directly with the relevant ministry.
What should I do to plan for elderly care in Oman before I actually need it?
Begin planning as early as possible. Take out a comprehensive international health insurance policy that explicitly covers long-term and nursing care; put a locally valid power of attorney in place with the assistance of an Oman-registered lawyer; review your visa and residency arrangements to ensure they can be sustained through retirement; and consult a financial adviser with expertise in Gulf-based expat retirement planning. Waiting until a health crisis materialises is inadvisable — care options for expatriates in Oman are limited, and thorough advance preparation is indispensable.