KUCHING: A six-month professional training programme in elderly care at the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS), is among Sarawak’s preparations to meet the needs of its growing senior citizen population.
Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the programme is aimed at equipping participants with proper knowledge and skills to care for senior citizens, particularly in nursing homes, Rumah Seri Kenangan and other elderly care facilities.
“We have actually established a special programme at CENTEX focusing on elderly care. There are six intakes, with each programme running for six months, including practical training.
“This will equip participants with the proper knowledge and professional training in elderly care,” she said during the Senior Citizen Muhibbah Luncheon at Hotel Raia & Convention Centre here on Saturday.
Fatimah added the initiative was also being expanded to the community, given that research showed most senior citizens preferred to age at home rather than in institutional care.
She revealed that CENTEX had been asked to develop special programmes for family members and caregivers looking after elderly parents or other relatives requiring specific care.
“This is part of our preparation for an Ageing Sarawak. We have a training programme at CENTEX with proper accreditation and certification, and the next programme in the pipeline is palliative care,” she said.
Fatimah stressed the initiative was important as ageing involved not only health concerns, but also issues such as finances, housing and mobility.
She also highlighted mobility as a key challenge among senior citizens, saying limited mobility could restrict social interaction and potentially contribute to depression.
“We want to avoid this and, as far as possible, prevent early onset of dementia. We want to ensure that through mobility, we can maintain independence for as long as possible and delay dependency,” she said.
Against this backdrop, Fatimah also reminded senior citizens and their families to take extra precautions amid the current haze situation in Sarawak.
She said senior citizens, children, pregnant women and those with existing health conditions were particularly vulnerable to the effects of poor air quality.
“When the haze becomes noticeable or the air quality reaches an unhealthy level, please reduce prolonged outdoor activities and avoid strenuous exercise or physical activities outdoors,” she pointed out.
She advised those who needed to go outdoors to take appropriate precautions, including wearing a suitable and well-fitted mask when advised.
Fatimah also urged households to keep doors and windows closed when outdoor air quality was poor, while ensuring senior citizens remained hydrated, had adequate rest and continued taking medication as prescribed.
She called on family members, caregivers, neighbours and community organisations to regularly check on elderly people, particularly those living alone or requiring assistance.
“Please ensure that they have sufficient drinking water, access to their medication and a safe and comfortable environment,” she said.
Fatimah further reminded the public to follow the latest advice and precautionary measures issued by the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) and relevant authorities.
“Our priority must always be the safety, health and wellbeing of the people. Protect yourself. Protect your family. Look after one another,” she said.
