Industry players agree on the need for increased regulation and oversight of private care facilities, but opinions differ on whether separate legislation or the Senior Citizens Bill is the appropriate vehicle for this.
Senator Ras Adiba Radzi calls for increased public spending and better regulation of long-term care facilities and services, including regular quarterly auditing by government authorities or local councils, as well as a long-term care fund for care homes.
Family caregivers speak about abuse by carers (both hired and family members), balancing work, and providing care. Costs associated with domestic helpers and elderly homes can easily reach at least RM4,000 per month.
Care partners caring for parents with dementia, cancer, or gout say the Senior Citizens Bill shouldn't penalise adult children who send parents to care homes. They want more assistance instead; one had to quit his job in KL to care for his father in Sabah.