[THE VIBES] Rethinking aged care​

[THE VIBES] Rethinking aged care

As Malaysia moves into an ageing nation status, the state’s first old-age care outsourced services want new policies drawn up

ENCOURAGING the old to be independent and to harness the use of technology are the best options to address the fact that Malaysia would be an ageing nation. By 2030, 15% of the population will be aged 60 and above.

As fertility rates drop while Malaysians live longer and compounded by the damage triggered by Covid-19, becoming an ageing nation is a trend which the country must accept, earlier than later, said Elite Elder Services chief executive officer Irene Lee.

Lee, who manages the country’s first old folks’ outsourcing services firm, told The Vibes that creating more nursing homes may be unsustainable. It will only antagonise the elderly if they are forced to relocate from the comfort of their own homes. 

Lee said this after the pandemic exposed the huge shortcomings that old folk nursing and care centres faced. Especially after state exco for welfare Phee Boon Poh pointed out that the majority of such facilities were ill-equipped to handle the virus outbreak.

The pandemic aside, Lee said that for the middle to long term, there is a need to revamp policies governing old age and the care services.

“We need more trained people, besides doctors and nurses, on geriatrics treatment. It is not just facilities, but [also about] staffing them with capable people.”

But with the improvement in healthcare and life expectancy, Lee said that the elderly can be coaxed into becoming independent if they are not bedridden. 

“There is also the technology which can be utilised from constant monitoring which can be connected remotely. The use of CCTV and social media as well as the new medical applications and monitoring devices. It must be fully utilised in the old care needs.”

Read the full article in The Vibes

The Vibes - Rethinking aged care (Elder Elite)

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