Foo (fourth from left) and Lee after inking the MOU at the latter’s service centre in Petaling Jaya Old Town.
AS Malaysia moves towards becoming a super-aged society, new career opportunities will open for caregivers particularly to seniors, says Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung.
A super-aged society is when 20% or more of its population are aged 65 years and above, which Malaysia would be by 2056.
Careers in the caregiving for the seniors sector is promising due to the demand in the market, said Lee.
To cater to the market needs, the MP’s office is collaborating with Malaysian Association for Social Care Professionals and Homes (Masoc Care) to host a public senior care awareness and training initiative.
The event will take place on May 25 at the Sin Chew Daily headquarters’ Cultural Hall, Petaling Jaya, from 9am to 1pm.
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between Masoc Care and the Petaling Jaya Upskilling & Upward Mobility for the implementation of the training initiative.
Lee said the event aimed to raise awareness and provide an educational platform for the public, caregivers and those interested in the senior care sector.
The event will also be a platform to identify and screen talents for the Kaigo Caregiving Training.
Kaigo is a Japanese training method of senior care and the event will feature a demonstration of the techniques.
Lee pointed out that while Petaling Jaya had an ageing population especially in the Old Town neighbourhood, the nearby Taman Medan had a younger population consisting the working class and those looking for employment.
“We hope to bridge the gap between the demand for senior care and the availability of those who want to learn senior care.
“They can learn to either care for own family members or work in the sector,” he said.
Lee noted that currently the sector was filled by foreigners who were mostly unskilled.
“We can make this sector more attractive for locals to venture into, with professional training and eventually make a decent income from it.
“Some of the selected youths will also be sent to Japan for a year’s training,” said Lee.
He also acknowledged that there were many unregistered senior homes due to the strict regulations.
Meanwhile, Masoc Care advisor Dr Edward Foo Loke Min said the estimated cost to care for the elderly until the person passes away, could be between RM300,000 and RM1mil.
He said professional caregivers in the senior care field could earn between RM6,000 and RM7,000 a month.
He added that there was also freelance job opportunities available for those who are trained to be professional caregivers.
The sector is booming and it is apparent with more senior homes mushrooming, Foo said.
The Kaigo caregiving training demonstration is limited to 200 people.
Those interested can contact 011-3301 9681.
