29. At the same time, there is an on going research at Institute of Gerontology, University of Putra Malaysia (UPM) on residential care services and other large scale research projects undertaken by National University of Malaysia (UKM) and University of Malaya (UM) on older person’s issues. 30. Finance: Funding and financing for aged care Although the Government provides some funds for shelter homes, the funding assistance and support are inconsistent across the different providers (public, NGO and private). It is based on grant applied and does not necessarily reflect quantum of care provided. In addition, the current fees charged by private residential care operators do not reflect the quality of care that residents receive. 31. Quality of care: Minimum standards, care levels and industry rating Current laws regulate requirements for physical environment and administrative operations; but there is no provision on minimum standards of care. Fees normally denote the comfort that a resident can get from the facility. Therefore, it was suggested that operators should be licensed based on level of care provided by them. Quality can also be promoted through accreditation and industry ratings. 32. Ethical issues regarding care: Consent, liability and advanced directives There are no laws to protect the older persons when they become incapacitated and their wills which was communicated earlier was not fulfilled by family members. Majority of residents in the care centres are poor and abandoned who are admitted to the care centres either by court orders or by the choices of their family members. For private nursing homes – older persons are sent to the care centres by family members who are financially able but not able to care. The element of consent is missing in the registration procedure. 64 REPORT ON CARE SERVICES FOR OLDER PERSONS AND SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS