A non-profit nursing home in Jinjang Utara, Kuala Lumpur, has raised the white flag amid a decline in donations during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Established last November, the home has 13 residents, most of whom have no families. The majority of them were transferred there from the Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL), Selayang Hospital and UKM Hospital.
The residents are cared for by two staff, who cook their meals, feed and clean them, as well as take care of their medical needs, including tending to diabetic wounds.
Tan Joo Sen, who is in charge of the home, and one of the staff, Teh Mei Chee, shared their plight at a press conference with Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng yesterday.
Tan revealed the nursing home was initially supported by a charity organisation but since the number of residents has increased, more funds are needed.
According to him, their monthly expenses amount to RM20,000, which include rent, salaries, as well as transport and medical costs.
“Some of the residents are sent here by family members or friends who cannot afford to take care of them. We only accept those who have nobody to care for them.
“Fewer people have been donating (money and supplies) during the pandemic. So I decided to raise the white flag to seek public help,” he added.
Tan is also hoping to expand the nursing home in the future, revealing that he has been receiving frequent requests from hospitals to accept new residents.
Apart from financial assistance, Teh said volunteers are also welcomed since the nursing home is understaffed.
“For now, we have to wake up at 7am to prepare breakfast for the residents. Some are unable to eat solid food so we have to feed them milk every three hours.
“We also do not have enough milk powder now. Doctors recommended 'Ensure Gold' milk for the elderly residents,” Teh added.
Due to limited fridge space, she said the nursing home could not handle large donations of meat and vegetables.
Teh, 32, has been with the nursing home for six months after losing her job in accounting when the foreign firm she worked for closed down due to the pandemic.
She picked up basic nursing skills from the medical personnel of the hospitals which collaborated with the nursing home.
Since their appeal went viral on social media, contributions have been pouring in.
Those interested in donating to the nursing home can contact Tan at 014-9683909 or bank in their donation to the AmBank account: 88810-419-41687 (Pertubuhan Kebajikan Amal Warga Emas Sejati Kuala Lumpur Dan Selangor). - Mkini
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