KUCHING: The Lions Nursing Home Kuching (LNHK) here has been urged to set up aged care facilities.
In making the call yesterday Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said, “The nursing home industry has evolved throughout the years and LNHK will soon celebrate its 30th anniversary.
“To me, this is the first nursing home in Kuching. I hope it will plan ahead and look into aged care facilities or else, it will be left behind.
“This is because Sarawakians will be an aging population by 2030 and their needs are slightly different than those at nursing homes.”
Sim, who is also Batu Kawa assemblyman, officiated at the launch of the Lions Nursing Home annual food fair yesterday.
He noted that the LNHK staff were there to serve and to care for the elderly.
“If they serve and care for money, I will be extremely disappointed because to serve and care must come from the heart.
“In this home, what they (elderly) need from you is love because they are alone in this nursing home because their children do not have time to care for them,” he said.
LNHK chairwoman and Past Lions International director Datin Ellis Suriyati Omar, said the nursing home has 60 beds but only 50 were occupied.
“This is because we are following the requirement by the Ministry of Health in reducing the cost.
“We currently have 57 staff caring for the elderly and this home has survived for 27 years.
“This building requires major maintenance and repairs. Our operation costs including the staff salaries range from RM150,000 to RM180,000 monthly,” she added.
The one-day fair started as early as 7am and ended at 12.30pm. It was jointly organised by 14 Lions Clubs in Kuching, Serian, Kota Sentosa and Kota Samarahan.
Organising chairperson Jeff Lee Jiong Khai said that this year’s fair was participated by Lions Club Sibu Jaya (Sibu), Lions Club of Kota Kinabalu Centennial (Kota Kinabalu), Lions Club of JB Tiram City and Lions Club of Pearl of the Orient (Penang).
“There are a total of 80 stalls set up at the home, with RM200,000 as the targeted fund raised.
“We are confident of raising RM180,000,” he said.
At the event, Dr Sim donated RM10,000 to the Home’s fund.
