Caregiving transcends race and religion
IPOH: The moment J. Susila Devi watched an elderly stroke patient die while praying before her eyes remains etched deeply in her memory.
A touching story from Malaysia highlights the unity and tolerance that transcends race and religion in the caregiving profession. <name1>, a 50-year-old caregiver, recently experienced a poignant moment when she helped an elderly stroke patient fulfill her religious duty before passing away. This experience brought her closer to the patient's family, despite cultural differences. <name1> believes that caregivers play a crucial role in building bonds of trust and understanding among Malaysia's diverse communities.
As the population ages, the demand for professionally trained caregivers is growing, with 12 states now classified as ageing states. The TVET Elderly Care Programme at Universiti Kuala Lumpur has been instrumental in producing caregivers who respect the cultures of different ethnic groups and understand their unique needs. Vicky Hanna, a caregiver for over 30 years, credits the course for boosting her confidence and opening up more employment opportunities.
Additionally, the programme has enabled some participants, like Muhammad Asraaf Hakimi Rosli, to establish their own elderly care centres, turning caregiving into a successful livelihood.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.