Harmony Hill Home in Semenyih is fully equipped to meet the needs of seniors. — LOW BOON TAT/The Star
After sustaining a fractured thigh bone from a fall, Low Yoke Mui, 74, was advised not to continue living alone.
With no family of her own, the septuagenarian had been managing on her own at her double-storey home in Taman Segambut Muda, Kuala Lumpur.
Following a fall last August, the former volunteer of a Buddhist organisation had to retire from her service and was advised to move to a newly established aged care facility out of safety concerns.
Harmony Hill Home was where Low has been staying for the past six months.
"At first I was worried that I would be bored in this new home, but the activities here keep me occupied," said Low, adding she now feels content and at ease with her surroundings.
The Home, which opened its doors in January, is an initiative by Yayasan Sin Chew, serving as both the developer and owner of the establishment. The four-storey courtyard-style building offers a capacity of 288 beds.
Harmony Hill chief operating officer Lillian Chang, 62, said the home aimed to create a community for elderly residents to live comfortably.
“Our vision is to provide a safe and comfortable living environment for the elderly who may not have the support or resources to live independently.
“The home is a place for the elderly to interact with each other and keep each other company.
Chang: The centre aims to provide a safe and comfortable living environment for elderly folk.
“Our mission is to ensure residents get proper care and attention and be able to socialise with each other while maintaining their independence,” she said, adding that priority was given to the elderly who were single and had no children.
“An applicant’s financial background and previous jobs held are among factors determining the person’s eligibility to reside at the home,” said Chang.
Those from low-income backgrounds would be given priority, she said.
“Volunteers who contributed to social work for more than 20 years are also considered.
“This way, we are extending support to people who dedicated their lives to serving the community,” she added.
The three-storey facility has 48 rooms and 96 beds on each floor.
The garden boasts an outdoor gym while nearby is a multipurpose hall with a stage area for karaoke sessions.
“This space is specifically built to accommodate the elderly, with floor lights, handrails and vinyl non-slip floors,” Chang said, adding that all the toilets were also wheelchair-friendly.
Vegetarian meals are prepared at the cafetaria by a certified dietician and nutritionist to meet residents’ dietary needs.
In addition to laundry and housekeeping services, there are activity rooms for residents to bake and paint as well as do yoga.
For those with a green thumb, a plot is available for vegetable cultivation.
An emergency ramp connecting the first to the ground floor enables caretakers to wheel residents to safety in the event of a fire.
There are six caregivers at the centre.
Chang said it cost RM42mil to set up the 4,000sq ft centre, which sits on a 2ha land.
“The centre is open to all Malaysians and permanent residents aged 65 and above,” she said.
A short-term care programme is also available.
For details, call 03-8727 3002 or 010-660 6388.
