PETALING JAYA – The Association for Residential Aged Care Operators of Malaysia (Agecope) is urging the Welfare Department to offer frequent free training to caregivers at old folks homes in the wake of a case involving a senior who was found dead after going missing since January 15.
Agecope was informed that a man known as Uncle Stephen Chong walked out of the aged care home here at 5am on January 15. Several members then took to social media to share posters requesting the public to look for him.
The deceased’s son-in-law also confirmed with the association that Choong could not walk without assistance and he lived upstairs without access to an elevator. The family then made a missing person’s report.
Five days later, the family made another missing person report as there was no feedback from the public. According to the association, the management of the aged care centre also could not show any evidence of the man leaving the premises. They also could not determine how he left the vicinity.
Agecope was told that police also could not find the missing person.
A week later, police took action by closing the old folk’s home. Nine of the staff were taken in for questioning.
Two days ago, Agecope spoke with Welfare Department personnel and enquired as to why the centre was closed. The department then said that the centre was not registered.
A department officer also clarified that they are usually lenient with such centres that operate without a licence, stating that they allow time for these centres to operate before they apply for a licence. However, they close down homes that exhibit major issues.
Unfortunately, Stephen Chong was found dead, locked in the neighbouring home’s storeroom.
In such shocking events, Agecope told The Vibes that they want the remaining 1,300 unlicensed centres to be licensed so that they can accommodate the elderly in a professional and safe way.
“Our stand is for all operators to be vigilant and conduct proper vetting of staff during recruitments.
“The Welfare Department should also assist with regular free training of caregivers that can be done annually,” a spokesman said.
Even if it is not the department, they believe that any related government agency should be given a budget to ensure that caregivers around Malaysia are properly trained before handling their clients. – The Vibes, February 4, 2022
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