Bolster care services for older persons and support for caregivers

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) recently published a report on care services for older persons and support for caregivers.

The report drew on information gathered from a series of consultations, seminars and visits to care centres for older persons, which were conducted in 2013.

The report highlights the issues and challenges affecting the care services and caregivers for older persons in Malaysia including:

• The limited care centres for older persons;
• Funding for care centres; access to healthcare services;
• The absence of a legal framework, and weak implementation of policies, on older persons
• Lack of public awareness on the rights of older persons.

SUHAKAM's report also recognises the significant role of the Government to protect the rights of older persons through, among other things; dissemination of information on the care services for older persons and the supports for their carers; addressing the existing legal and policy gaps affecting the rights of older persons; monitoring the implementation of relevant policies; and promoting greater respect for the rights of older persons in Malaysia.

As a follow-up, on 16 November 2016, the Commission organised a roundtable discussion with representatives from relevant Government agencies, civil society organisations and academic institutions to gather their feedback on the report.

The Commission was pleased to note that the issues and recommendations contained in the report received positive feedback and support from the various stakeholders.

The full report is available at: www.suhakam.org.my/pusat-media/sumber/lain-lain/

Date: 24 November 2015