Chapter 3 - Report of the Research and Policy Development Group The Commission’s visit to Rumah Seri Kenangan, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur • Lecadia PrimaCare Centre, Jalan Pudu, Kuala Lumpur °° Due to Ministry of Health requirements, the centre has had to comply with standards set for hospices, resulting in higher operational costs. It is suggested that the Government subsidise a portion of the costs, such as water and electricity bills. Private centres should also be exempted from taxation. °° Since the building is registered as a commercial premises, the tariffs for utilities are based on the commercial rate. The cost is then factored into fees paid by residents or their families, which affects affordability of care services. • Old Folks Day-care Centre, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur The Government could provide more assistance to the centre in terms of money or resources to support activities like training in information technology or languages. This could enable older persons to earn an income and continue contributing to society, while ensuring that their time at the centre is utilised effectively. (iii) Half-day seminars The three seminars, focusing on care services for older persons and support for caregivers, were held in the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak to: • • • • • Gain an overview of the care services provided by the Government, among other stakeholders; Identify the extent of support provided by the Government and other stakeholders to caregivers; Analyse existing challenges and issues that affect the standards of care provided in public and private care centres; Discuss the necessity of introducing national legislation to protect the rights of older persons; and Formulate practicable recommendations for implementation. 81