Personal Experience Caring for Sick Father Inspires Elder Care Service

Habibah Yoosefe, 53, provides professional elder care in Falim, Ipoh, inspired by her personal experiences caring for her ailing father and her time in a private hospital. She manages the daily necessities for elderly clients, many of whom suffer from dementia, stroke, or are bedridden.

Her clientele ranges from 70 to 90 years old, though she has cared for a 35-year-old stroke patient. Habibah emphasizes the need for patience and meticulousness when handling the daily routines of her patients, including feeding, bathing, and changing adult diapers. She notes that a gentle approach and psychological understanding help dementia patients feel more comfortable and valued.

While the profession can yield a monthly income of RM5,000 to RM7,000, Habibah stresses that diligence is key. She typically manages three clients daily with a strict schedule. Active communication with clients' families is vital for patient stability. She finds immense satisfaction in seeing patients recover, like one who regained mobility after a leg fracture, a reward she considers priceless.

Habibah charges RM25 to RM30 per hour for her services, but offers them free of charge to those in genuine need. She recently completed the TVET Elder Care Course, an initiative by Pasak in collaboration with UniKL RCMP and other organizations. This training aims to equip individuals with professional skills and empathy for the growing elder care sector in Perak, a state projected to have over 14% of its population aged 65 and above by 2030.