PETALING JAYA: While volunteer-based elderly care is meaningful, it is not enough for the growing demands of Malaysia’s ageing population which requires trained and skilled caregivers, say geriatric experts.
Malaysia Healthy Ageing Society vice-president Dr Wong Teck Wee said volunteer-based programmes have a complementary role in the ecosystem of eldercare, but it cannot replace the need for formally trained, full-time caregivers.
On July 31, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced in the 13th Malaysia Plan that Malaysia is set to increase 50,000 skilled caregivers by 2030 and boost elderly welfare.
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Initiatives like Home Help Service or Program Khidmat Bantu di Rumah and Senior Citizens Caring Unit, or Unit Penyayang Warga Emas, can serve as a pipeline to identify and train committed volunteers who may later pursue a certification and career in caregiving, Dr Wong said.
Calling for the government to expand public-private partnerships with vocational colleges, NGOs and hospitals to scale up training opportunities for caregivers, Dr Wong said monetary incentives, career pathways and better working conditions can attract more young people and mid-career switchers to this essential profession.
He said skilled community caregivers should be formally recognised in the Senior Citizen Bill, which is being drafted.
“Legal recognition would provide policy legitimacy and open up funding channels,” Dr Wong said, adding that among the policies that should be included are clear standards of care and funding allocation not only for operations but also for training, supervision and outcome evaluation.
Meanwhile, Association for Residential Aged Care Operators president Delren Terrence Douglas called on the government to move beyond volunteer-based elderly care by investing in full-time, trained caregivers to meet the growing needs of its ageing population.
“Volunteering for elderly is a great idea, but a paid and skilled caregiver is very important.
“Merely having volunteers is insufficient as it won’t ensure a steady manpower supply or that help is available whenever seniors need assistance,” he said.
According to Delran, the country currently has a shortage of 3,000 skilled caregivers in existing care centres nationwide.
“The government should give paid skilled caregivers standardised training,” he said.
He also suggested expanding volunteer programmes by introducing an online system or a mobile application — similar to an e-hailing platform.
“With an app, volunteers can easily locate places where assistance is needed,” he said.
