Families need support to care for elderly and frail, says Nancy
The federal minister says the welfare department has spent about RM728 million this year to support the welfare of senior citizens, the disabled and those with chronic illnesses.
Federal Minister Nancy Shukri, the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, emphasized that families providing care for the elderly, frail, and bedridden individuals should not bear the entire burden without robust support from various sectors. She highlighted the necessity of offering caregivers training, psychosocial support, and motivation to ensure they deliver optimal care without compromising their own well-being.
During a caregiver support programme in Kuching, Nancy, who oversees women, family, and community development, disclosed that the welfare department had allocated approximately RM728 million in the current year to assist senior citizens, the disabled, and those with chronic illnesses. To alleviate the strain on families, the department provides aid for the care of bedridden individuals, with 42,036 people receiving such support, costing over RM119 million.
Additionally, more than 170,100 individuals benefited from the senior citizens program, with expenditures surpassing RM609 million. Nancy stressed that fortifying the care system is crucial to guarantee the welfare of caregivers tending to these vulnerable groups.
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- Care should not fall on families alone, says Nancy as welfare spending hits RM728m malaymail.com
- Families need support to care for elderly and frail, says Nancy freemalaysiatoday.com
