Elderly care refers to the specialized care and support provided to older adults, typically those aged 65 and older, who may have varying degrees of dependency and specific needs. This care can be provided in various settings such as the individual’s home, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, or other long-term care facilities.
Elderly care in Malaysia is a growing concern due to the country’s rapidly ageing population. With over 7% of the population aged 65 and over as of 2021, Malaysia is on track to becoming an “aged society” by 2044, with 14% of its population aged 65 and over.
Elderly care overview
Elderly care in Malaysia
As the demand for elderly care rises, Malaysia faces several challenges and gaps in providing comprehensive care to its senior citizens.
Types of Elderly Care Facilities
- Malaysia has a mix of public, private, and charity-based elderly care centers. Public centers are sponsored by the government, while private and charity-based centers may be under religious institutions.
- The care facilities can largely be divided into nursing homes and old folks’ homes, with only 21 nursing homes licensed by the Ministry of Health as of 2019. There were also 350 private old folks’ homes registered, including those managed by NGOs.
Quality and Affordability of Care
- Advocates have called for quality government nursing homes as private centres may be unaffordable for low and middle-income groups. The cost for semi-independent elderly persons who require minimal assistance is estimated at approximately RM3,100 per month, while those needing specialised care at basic facility nursing homes or care centres may incur costs ranging from RM1,200 to RM3,500 per month.
Workforce and Professional Training
- There’s a dire need for professional caregivers and geriatricians to provide need-based care to the elderly. Shockingly, as of the data, Malaysia had only 39 geriatricians across public and private health facilities, with some states having none. The lack of professionally trained individuals in the aged care industry is a major weakness in the Malaysian elderly care system.
Government Policies and Programs
- Various policies have been implemented to protect the rights and welfare of the elderly including the Employees Provident Fund, the Social Security Organization, Government pension scheme, and others. Laws such as the Domestic Violence Act, the Care Centre Act, the Minimum Retirement Age Act, and the Pensions Act also play a part in safeguarding the elderly.
- Malaysia has been working on legislating an act to safeguard the rights and welfare of the elderly, aiming to provide a support system for senior citizens.
- The government has also outlined health policies and services for the elderly such as the National Elderly Health Policy, National Older Persons Policy, and health screening among others.
Community and Daycare Centers
- Community daycare centers are deemed important as they allow working adults to ensure the safety and well-being of their elderly parents. These centers are geared towards preventing isolation, promoting social interaction, and providing maintenance therapy for the elderly.
Public Awareness and Education
- Education is seen as a fundamental measure for a healthy and sustainable aged care ecosystem in Malaysia. Advocates stress the importance of public health measures, financial literacy, and promoting a healthy lifestyle to improve the quality of life for the elderly.
Malaysia’s journey towards establishing a robust elderly care system involves addressing the challenges in affordability, quality of care, professional training, and public education, among other areas.
Critical aspects of elderly care
Critical aspects of elderly care refer to the fundamental elements required to ensure older individuals’ well-being, safety, and quality of life. Below are the critical aspects of elderly care:
Healthcare Services
- Primary Care: Routine healthcare by general practitioners or geriatricians for monitoring and managing chronic conditions, vaccinations, and addressing minor health issues.
- Specialized Care: Care provided by specialists for specific conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or dementia.
- Medication Management: Assistance with properly taking prescribed medications to prevent complications and hospitalizations.
Personal Care
- Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Assistance with basic tasks like bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility.
- Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs): Assistance with more complex tasks like shopping, cooking, managing finances, and medication management.
Home Care Services
- Home Health Care: Provision of medical care, therapy, and nursing services at home.
- Non-medical Home Care: Services including meal preparation, cleaning, and companionship provided at home.
Respite Care
- Short-term Relief: Providing temporary relief to primary caregivers by offering short-term care services either at home or in a care facility.
Residential Care Facilities
- Assisted Living: Housing with some support services like meal provision and assistance with ADLs.
- Nursing Homes: 24-hour medical care and supervision for individuals with severe health conditions or those recovering from surgery or illness.
Community Services
- Adult Day Care Centers: Supervised daytime programs offering social interaction, meals, and some health services.
- Senior Centers: Community centers providing social activities, meals, and various forms of assistance.
Support Services
- Transportation: Services providing rides to medical appointments, grocery stores, and other necessary outings.
- Meal Programs: Various programs delivering nutritious meals to seniors who are unable to cook for themselves.
Technology and Assistive Devices
- Telemedicine: Remote healthcare services provided via digital platforms.
- Mobility Aids: Devices like walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters to aid with mobility.
Legal and Financial Planning
- Planning for the legal and financial challenges that may arise with aging, including establishing advanced healthcare directives, estate planning, and identifying potential sources of funding for care.
End-of-Life Care
- Hospice Care: Compassionate care aimed at alleviating suffering and improving the quality of life for individuals facing terminal illness.
- Palliative Care: Care focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illness, aimed at improving the quality of life for both the patient and the family.
Education and Counseling
- Caregiver Education: Education and training for family members and other caregivers on how to provide care, manage medications, and handle the emotional and physical challenges of caregiving.
- Counseling Services: Providing emotional support and counseling to seniors and their families to cope with the challenges associated with aging.
Alternative Therapies
- Physical Therapy: Services aimed at improving mobility, strength, and balance.
- Occupational Therapy: Assistance with improving the skills needed for daily living and working.
- Speech Therapy: Help with communication issues and swallowing difficulties.
Safety and Accessibility Modifications
- Home Modifications: Making homes safer and more accessible through installations like grab bars, ramps, and stairlifts.
- Emergency Response Systems: Devices and systems that allow seniors to call for help in case of falls or other emergencies.
Social Engagement and Leisure Activities
- Recreational Programs: Activities and programs that promote social interaction, engagement, and mental stimulation.
- Volunteering Opportunities: Opportunities for seniors to contribute to their communities, which can provide a sense of purpose and improve well-being.
Insurance and Benefits Assistance
- Insurance Counseling: Guidance on understanding and maximizing insurance benefit.
- Financial Aid: Assistance with identifying and applying for financial aid programs that can help cover the costs of care.