Raising standards of Malaysian care centres

Care centres can play a pivotal role in fostering connections between residents and their family members. -123rf.com

In Malaysia’s urban communities, the care centre scene grapples with challenges like overcrowding and a shortage of skilled caregivers. Urbanisation has led to an increased demand for senior care services, putting pressure on existing facilities. Quality of care sometimes suffers due to understaffing, affecting the well-being of elderly residents.

To improve such situations for the betterment of Malaysia’s senior care standards, here are ways which we can learn from successful business models and more.

The charging structure

The traditional model of charging care centre fees often correlates costs with the types of rooms provided, resulting in a financial structure that may not align with the diverse needs of elderly residents. Recognising the need for a more ethical and resident-centric approach, it is time to look towards charging based on the level of care needed.

The fundamental principle is to prioritise the well-being of residents over superficial amenities. Individuals with varying health conditions may require different levels of attention, medical assistance, and specialised care plans. By tailoring costs to the level of care required, care centres can allocate resources more efficiently, ensuring that residents receive personalised attention without financial strain.

This approach promotes a compassionate and inclusive environment where residents, regardless of their financial capacity, can access the necessary care they deserve. Moreover, it reflects a commitment to the ethical standards of the caregiving profession, placing the emphasis on individual needs rather than creating a tiered system based on room types. Ultimately, this model fosters a more equitable and compassionate approach to elderly care, aligning the financial structure with the core values of providing comprehensive and dignified support to the elderly population.

Professional caregivers provide specialised care

It is crucial for care centres to refrain from assigning professional caregivers maid-like roles, for several compelling reasons. This compromises the quality of care delivered to elderly residents and places undue stress on the caregiving staff. Caregivers, especially professional ones, undergo specific training to provide specialised care, which encompasses the physical, emotional, and medical needs of elderly residents.

Such role diversification contributes to burnout among caregivers, impacting their mental health and diminishing their ability to provide compassionate and effective care.

To ensure the dignity and quality of care, care centres must prioritise appropriate role assignments, recognising the distinct expertise caregivers bring to the facility. This form of respect can be as simple as outsourcing services such as catering, laundry, and cleaning to other professionals.

By respecting and valuing their professional capabilities, care centres create an environment conducive to optimal caregiving, benefiting both the staff and the elderly residents they serve.Normalisation as the end goal of care

Independent care should be the care philosophy implemented in care centres. Once an elderly is being put in a care centre, instead of doing everything for them, we should allow them to perform daily tasks themselves, to be independent. We want to let them reintegrate from an ‘abnormal state’ to a normal state, living life like a normal person. This is normalisation, according to Kok Fook Leong, managing director of Boonbak Emina Care Centre, Ipoh, in an interview recently.

Normalisation is vital in care centres for the elderly as it fosters a sense of routine, comfort, and dignity. Establishing familiar patterns of daily living helps residents feel secure and supported, reducing stress and anxiety. This practice respects their individuality, acknowledging that their preferences and habits are integral to their identity.

Normalising the environment promotes a positive atmosphere, encouraging social interactions, and enhancing the overall quality of life for elderly residents. It reinforces the principle that, despite residing in a care centre, individuals maintain the right to a life that reflects their personal history, preferences, and a sense of normalcy.

Keeping residents and their families connected

Care centres can play a pivotal role in fostering connections between residents and their family members through the thoughtful integration of technology. Implementing user-friendly communication platforms, video conferencing tools, and social media engagement can bridge physical distances, enabling regular and meaningful interactions.

Maintaining these connections is crucial as it enhances the overall quality of life for residents. Regular communication with family members provides emotional support, a sense of belonging, and helps mitigate feelings of isolation. It also allows family members to actively participate in the lives of their loved ones, staying informed about their health, daily activities, and general welfare.

Furthermore, technology-driven communication contributes to transparency in care, fostering trust between care centers and families. Real-time updates, virtual visits, and shared moments through photos or videos create a collaborative caregiving environment.

The journey towards raising standards in Malaysian care centres is not merely a commitment to meet basic requirements but a profound dedication to providing unparalleled care and support to the elderly. Malaysian care centres will not just be meeting standards; they will redefine them. This journey underscores the importance of placing the well-being and dignity of elderly residents at the forefront, promising a future where every individual receives the care they deserve.

This article was contributed by The Malaysian Association for Social Care Professionals and Homes (MASOC CARE).