Former professionals among dementia patients at Sepang care home
By Nurul Hidayah Bahaudin
SEPANG: A large number of dementia patients currently receiving care at Pusat Jagaan dan Rawatan Orang Tua Al Ikhlas here are from professional backgrounds.
Founder, Muji Sulaiman, told Harian Metro that the centre, which she established 38 years ago, was set up to care for senior citizens, especially those who are living alone or have no one to care for them.
"Currently, we have about 40 residents aged between 60 and 90. Of that number, 20 are suffering from dementia," she said.
"Interestingly, a large majority of our dementia patients were once professionals; among them are former bank executives, headmasters, trained nurses and teachers.
"To date, we've never had a dementia patient who was a housewife or from a low-income background."
Speaking at the care home located in Jalan Pulau Meranti recently, Muji said many families eventually send their elderly relatives to the centre after struggling to care for them at home.
"About 99 per cent of family members who look after a loved one with dementia eventually feel stressed and overwhelmed.
"Many of the patients here also suffer from stroke-related conditions. Some are bedridden and require full assistance, while others are still able to walk and move around."
Muji believes dementia can be delayed or prevented through a healthy lifestyle and by staying mentally and socially active after retirement.
"Before retirement, they were busy with daily routines and work. But once they stop working, many remain idle at home with no social interaction or activity.
"This increases their risk. That's why it's important for the elderly, especially those above 60, to maintain hobbies like singing, walking or any activity that keeps their minds engaged."
For those who have been diagnosed with dementia, she said, structured daily routines and simple daily activities are vital to slow the progression of the condition.
Source : former-professionals-among-dementia-patients-sepang-care-home
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