Dementia Society Perak is seeking funds to build the first dementia-specific residential care facility in the country.
Its founder Prof Dr Esther Ebenezer said towards this end, a fundraising gala dinner would be held at Royal Perak Golf Club in Ipoh tonight.
“The aim of the dinner is to raise awareness about dementia and generate funds towards Malaysia’s first purpose-built residential care facility for advanced dementia patients.
“This initiative will provide much-needed support for people living with dementia and their families.
“In doing so, it will address a critical gap in long-term, specialised care in the country,” she said when contacted.
The dinner includes live music, trivia challenge and charity auction, with proceeds directly supporting the establishment of the facility.
“This gala dinner is more than a fundraiser; it’s a step towards creating a compassionate, supportive environment for those who need it most,” she added.
StarMetro reported on Nov 24, 2023 on the society’s plan to expand its BebeLEC Day Centre in Jalan Lang, Ipoh, into a full-time residential care facility, costing between RM3mil and RM4mil.
Prof Ebenezer, who is a consultant psychiatrist, said the expanded facility was likely to be built near the BebeLEC centre, with a care ecosystem that would include day care as well as residential services.
The facility, she said, would provide round-the-clock care when home management became untenable, with the focus on palliative support and behavioural symptom management.
The new facility will also provide a supportive environment for individuals who can no longer manage independent living.
“It will be designed to preserve autonomy through structured support, foster social connection via community living and offer specialist care for complex behavioural and cognitive needs.”
Prof Ebenezer added that dementia was an umbrella term describing a range of progressive neurological disorders that impaired memory, cognition, behaviour and functional ability.
The condition diminished the quality of life for individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
“The condition frequently results in progressive disability and profound dependency on caregivers.
“The physical, psychological, social and economic burdens placed on families, caregivers and society are substantial.
“Yet, this impact remains unrecognised and undervalued.
“Low public awareness, persistent stigma and misconceptions about dementia often lead to delayed diagnosis and inadequate care,” she added.
For details on the fundraiser, call 05-506 0806 or WhatsApp 011-6260 0806.
