CHAPTER 4 ISSUES AND CHALLENGES AFFECTING THE CARE SERVICES AND CAREGIVERS 48. The input on issues and challenges were mostly collated based on the Commission’s activities during 2013. Limited care centres for older persons 49. The Government has a role in providing care services for older persons and support for caregivers, including NGOs, family members and operators of private care centres. Concern was expressed about the limited number of government-funded old folks’ homes and senior citizen activity centres, as well as financial aid for older persons compared with the older person’s population in Malaysia. 50. Community based day centres for people with dependency needs are rare and the transportation to convey older persons to the centres was also a concern. Limited mobility 51. Many older persons who have medical condition are unable to access healthcare services due to mobility and disability limitations including physical and mental health problems, and also unfriendly public transport. 52. The distance between the social welfare department offices and the rural villages makes it difficult for older persons to access services or assistance from the department. There is also the issue of transportation for those who have mobility issues to receive follow REPORT ON CARE SERVICES FOR OLDER PERSONS AND SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS 37