Community opposition hindering establishment of elderly care homes, says official

 

As of 2024, there are approximately 3.9 million individuals aged 60 and over, which constitutes about 11.6% of the total population. (File pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: 

Some people are still uncomfortable with the establishment of elderly care homes in their neighbourhoods, according to an official from the town and country planning department.

Lily Hamaddah Ramle, the principal assistant director in the department’s research and development division, said residents were afraid that elderly care homes could devalue their neighbourhood.

When care home operators want to renew their licences after five years, they face opposition from local residents,

 she said during an elderly rights forum organised by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) today.

This puts the local government in a difficult position as they are unable to renew the licences due to the local opposition.

This resistance, Lily said, was one reason for the decline in registered elderly care homes.

According to the latest data from the social welfare department, there were 350 registered old folks’ homes in 2018.

As of 2024, there are approximately 3.9 million individuals aged 60 and over, which constitutes about 11.6% of the total population. The statistics department has said this demographic is expected to surpass 15% of the total population by 2030.

Meanwhile, Noraliza Noordin Merican, who is from the family health development division under the health ministry, said family and community support were crucial in caring for the elderly.

According to her, elderly care should be handled with a 

whole of society

 and 

whole of government

 approach.

Encouraging social activities and community participation helps prevent isolation and loneliness among the elderly,

 she said.  - FMT