MCO leaves old folk feeling lonely, unhappy
PETALING JAYA: Operators of old folk’s homes have voiced concern over the impact of the movement control order (MCO), saying the restrictions have affected them emotionally and financially.
Yap Ying Long, chairman of Pertubuhan Kebajikan Lao Yin Kah, an old folk’s home in Kepong, said the restrictions on visits have the occupants feeling lonely and unhappy.
“Old people need companionship as well, so it is important for them to be visited by their loved ones and families to ease up whatever emotions they are facing,” he said.
Yap, however, acknowledged that the restrictions were to ensure the senior residents were not infected with Covid-19.
He said the curb on visitors had also resulted in a drop in donations from the public.
“We depend solely on contributions because we are an NGO. We have no other financial means to support the home.
“Since the re-imposition of the MCO on Jan 13, our donations have declined to 30%,” he said.
He said the MCO also meant that many residents at the home cannot go for their medical check-ups.
“Normally, their family members will come and accompany them for their doctor’s appointment. Fortunately, most of them still have at least two months’ supply of medicine.”
Maureen Arasu, nursing and administrative manager of the My Aged Care home, said they had switched to video calls to ensure that residents keep in touch with family members, especially for those who can still remember them.
“Eighty per cent of my residents have dementia, so it does not make much of a difference, but for the rest, we try and continue to give them the moral support they need from their families,” she told FMT.
Maureen said the home was also doing its best to ensure that the residents did not miss their medical appointments.
“They are either accompanied by a family member or by the staff. We also arrange for consultation by Zoom for those who do not need to see a doctor,” she said. - FMT
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