KUALA LUMPUR – On Mother’s Day, we typically reflect on and celebrate the traditional roles of mothers in our lives. But this year, Scoop shines a light on caregivers who demonstrate maternal love to the elderly in nursing homes.
Recently, Scoop spoke to several caregivers from Selangor Relief Agency (SRA) nursing homes in Kuala Selangor who deserve recognition for their dedication to providing companionship, comfort, and unwavering support to our ageing population.
Noraswati Markon, 44, said there is nothing quite like the feeling of bringing comfort and joy to someone who may be feeling lonely or vulnerable.
“Many of the female residents here grapple with psychological challenges, leading to emotional instability.
“It’s not uncommon for them to slip into depression or experience bouts of unexplained anger. Our role is to provide reassurance and soothe their distress, even during moments of agitation,” she added.
Depression, she said, makes them very sensitive.
“They may feel like fighting or arguing with themselves, and it’s up to us to calm them down.
“We consider them our own parents – taking care of them as we would our own family and giving them the same love a child would,” she added.
Noraswati also said that she frequently seeks their opinion when facing life’s challenges, as they have more experience in life.
“When they are unwell or facing challenges, they turn to us for support. So it’s important for all of us to provide compassionate care.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to assist the elderly, even though they may not be our biological relatives.
Another carer, Siti Rashidah Jalil, 38, said that although her job was challenging at first, she discovered that empathy and understanding were important in her work.
“At first, I felt like giving up. But as time went on, I began to enjoy it because I started to develop feelings as if I were caring for my own parents.
“The challenge for me lies in mental fortitude, as it demands significant patience. They are more sensitive; they require occasional persuasion, just like dealing with children.
“If they cry, we need to comfort them and give them reassuring words to lift their spirits.
“As caregivers, we must understand the situation and do our best to ease their feelings.
“We need to ask them why they feel sad, what their problems are, and what they want. Whether they are sick or miss their children, we will provide comfort and advice,” said Rashidah.
Siti Maria Hussein, 49, reminded people to be more responsible and to care for their elderly parents.
“I want to advise children not to neglect their parents. When we were young, they cared for us. As we grow older, we should reciprocate that care.
“It saddens me to see children abandoning their parents and sending them to places like this.
“They initially promise to visit, but even until the parents pass away, they never do.
“We’re unable to do anything since we’re not their family. Thus, we can only hope for a change in their children’s behaviour.”
She then added that a mother can take care of 10 children, but 10 children could not take care of one mother.
SRA nursing home director Sharil Hussein, 41, said the centre was established to provide protection for the elderly without families or those who faced neglect, as well as for chronic patients who require ongoing care.
“At present, the nursing home accommodates 29 residents. Among them, only four are paying for their stay, while the remaining 25 residents do not.
“The daily meal cost per patient is RM35.00 for 5 meals a day, amounting to RM1,050.00 per month.
“This cost covers groceries, dry goods, cook’s wages, and cooking equipment,” he added.
Meanwhile, for accommodation expenses, he said they have allocated RM800 per person. This includes the cost of a bed, mattress, pillow, blanket, fan, employee wages, and other necessities.
According to Shahril, the Selangor Zakat Board provides assistance of RM16,800 per month for 21 residents.
“Our monthly operating cost amounts to RM50,000, whereas our monthly income stands at only RM16,800.00,” he said. – May 12, 2024