Care Centre Act 1984 [Act 308]; any institution or premises for the
treatment, rehabilitation, or after care of drug dependants,
lawfully established or operated under the Drug Dependants (Treatment
and Rehabilitation) Act 1983; any institution or premises operated or
managed by the Federal Government or a State Government; or any
institution or premises used by the Federal Government or a State
Government for the temporary housing or care of persons on the
occurrence of any event which gives rise to an emergency, or in the
interests of public safety. Therefore, as long as the care centre comes
within the definition of the Act, all care centres are required to be
registered.
48. Dr. Molly Cheah suggested that the Care Centre Act should be
reviewed to filter the admission of older persons to the care centre,
stressing on the need to ensure their level of mobility and physical
conditions. She highlighted that some older persons should be placed
in nursing homes instead of normal care centres due to their health
issues, in which special attention should be provided. Care centre
should be for only mobile older persons.
49. There were some suggestions that more aid should be provided to
private care givers such as nursing homes and individual caregivers if
our society want to move from government to community-based and
private-based care.
50. Dr. Rahimah informed the meeting that the Institute of Gerontology
had completed a pilot study on different forms and types of care
services and will proceed with data collection on residential care
centres in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, the data will be made available
soon.
51. A participant suggested that there is a need to create public
awareness on the rights of older persons. By educating the public on
their rights, this could enlighten the public to safeguard their rights
and ultimately to be mindful of the quality of care in the care centres.
52. Dr. Rahimah suggested that the operators of the care centres and
nursing homes should stand together in forming associations to
voice/raise concerns and issues in providing care for older persons.
Ms. Ranuga suggested the use of social media including YouTube as a
tool to create awareness and direct the attention of the public on the
rights of older persons.
REPORT ON CARE SERVICES FOR OLDER PERSONS AND SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS
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