FILIAL piety may not be enough when caring for elderly family members.
Retiree Jasmin Ee learned this the hard way when she was taking care of her father.
“My father suffered from dementia. It happened soon after my younger brother passed away from cancer.
“I took care of him for about three years and my sources of knowledge were Google and YouTube videos. It wasn’t easy.”
After Ee’s father passed away about two years ago, her mother became depressed.
The stress of being her mother’s sole carer pushed Ee to the brink of despair.
“I kept thinking about what I had done wrong while taking care of my father.
“From the Kaigo training, I learned that independence and dignity are key in senior care.
“While taking care of our old parents, we need to make sure that they can still lead a dignified life by being able to do things that are within their means.”
Kaigo is a Japanese term referring to elderly care, specifically the support provided to individuals for daily activities, emphasising self-sufficiency and dignity.
Equipped with more knowledge, Ee said she could take care of her mother better.
“Having senior care knowledge and skills is essential for people of all ages.
“Even if you don’t have a senior family member to take care of now, you need to prepare for the future,” she added.
Ee was a participant at a community senior care event “From Stress to Strength: Essential Family Skills x Elderly Prevention X New Career Opportunities”.
The event was held at Sin Chew Media Corporation in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Another attendee, Tan Kee Chen said: “It is quite dangerous when we attempt to impose what we think is right onto our elderly parents, neglecting their actual needs.
“This happened with my father when I failed to listen to him properly.
“By equipping myself with better communication skills, my relationship with my father improved.”
The free event, jointly organised by PJ Lestari, Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran, Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) Zone 10 councillor Christopher Ong, Malaysian Association for Social Care Professionals and Homes (Masoc Care) and SinChew Daily was attended by about 130 participants including Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung.
There was a talk by Masoc Care secretary-general Dr Melody Ang, who spoke about the challenges and opportunities associated with an ageing population.
A practical caregiving demonstration that included how to select a walking aid and using it safely was provided by Kaigo trainer Victor Ku.
Masoc Care also set up consultation booths to promote Kaigo and other senior care programmes.
