Wong (left) presenting Scott with his Youth Caregiving Award. — Photos: LOW BOON TAT/The Star
ELDERLY care has become increasingly important as Malaysia becomes an ageing nation.
According to the Department of Statistics, 7.4% out of the country’s 33.4 million population in 2023 were 65 or older.
This highlights the need for professionally trained caregivers to ensure good care for senior citizens.
Pantai Remis assemblyman Wong May Ing said promoting professional elderly care was her priority as Perak women, family, and community development committee chairman.
“Often, people are forced to give up their careers to take care of their elderly parents.
“This can take a huge toll on their mental health as they cannot get a break from caregiving.
“The elderly, especially those who are unable to take care of themselves, need professional caregivers to assist them in their daily lives.
“However, Malaysia still does not have sufficient professional caregivers.
“We need to acknowledge this as one of the challenges posed by an ageing society,” she said.
Speaking at the “Ageing Family Members: Care Responsibilities among Family Members” event at New Era University College (NEUC) in Kajang, Selangor, Wong also called for a change of mindset towards the elderly care industry.
“Some parents underestimate career prospects in elderly care, leading them to prevent their children from pursuing related courses.
“Some think that professional training is not even necessary for caregiving.
“Elderly care should not be perceived as a menial job.
“We need more people to join the workforce to ensure good quality of life for senior citizens,” she said.
The event was jointly organised by NEUC Institute of Ageing and Professional Care and non-governmental organisation Masoc Care.
Lee: It is good to learn about caregiving so that we can take care of our loved ones when they grow old.
About 200 attendees learned the “kaigo” caregiving method through demonstrations by a certified trainer.
“Kaigo” is a Japanese term that means “nursing care”, referring to supporting those who have difficulties with daily activities.
Also present was NEUC Institute of Ageing and Professional Care dean Dr Edward Foo Loke Min.
He said people who took care of their elderly parents often faced enormous stress.
“It is noble of them to shoulder the responsibility of taking care of their parents, but their lack of professional training may cause conflict.
“They often also face the pressure of having to give up their careers,” he noted.
By acquiring caregiving skills through training, he said, taking care of senior citizens could be easier and less stressful.
“It is encouraging to see more youths engaging in the field of elderly care,” Edward added.
Wong also presented the “Youth Caregiving Award” to two youths who had actively promoted senior care education or contributed to the welfare of the elderly.
Alicia Lee Zhi Jing, 22, who won the award in the university category, called for more youths to consider joining the elderly care industry, especially those who had not decided on career goals.
“Everyone will eventually become old, including your loved ones.
“Therefore, it is good to learn about caregiving methods so that we can take care of our loved ones when they grow old,” said the NEUC graduate.
Scott Foo Yee Yin, 16, who won the award in the secondary school category, urged the government to improve public facilities to cater to senior citizens.
“I notice many facilities emphasise aesthetic values rather than inclusivity.
“Sometimes, even young people like us find it hard to cross roads or drains.
“This would be more difficult for senior citizens,” said the student from SMJK Sam Tet in Ipoh, Perak.
Scott called on youths to communicate with and take care of the elderly during their free time.
