Care for the Elderly
Last Sunday, my BEC visited the Little Sisters of the Poor-St. Francis Xavier's Home for the Elderly under the patronage of the Little Sisters of the Poor at Taman Sri Bahtera, Cheras. Nestled inside a housing area, it's quite a challenge to find. The visit was in conjunction with the Lenten season, to do some charity and raise awareness about the old and destitute. Sister Cecilia was there to welcome us and she gave us a guided tour of the place. With a large floor space and serene surroundings, it's nothing like your usual old folks home. According to the nun from Hong Kong, they currently care for only 67 old folks at the home. And each of them are given their own room. According to her, the concept employed there is that the elderly should be given privacy and their own space (especially for those who are infirm and having illness). Therefore, creating a better environment for everyone and reducing conflicts.
We were ushered into an open courtyard. Flanking the courtyard is a big dining area, a beautiful chapel and the surrounding buildings. They have their own laundry room and kitchen with heavy duty equipment. Everything is clean and orderly and even the more capable old folks help out to fold clothes or cook together with the nuns. Next, we were brought to a craft room where the old folks sew and make quilts. Beside it is a hair salon that is used volunteers who come and cut their hair once a month. There's also a day care room, mini market, a small canteen, a doctor's office and a fully-equipped dentist's office. Believe it or not, there's also a physiotherapy room. Outside, there's a garden with a fish pond where the old folks come to relax and enjoy the fresh air.
Much thought had been put into the place to ensure that it would be relevant and workable for at least 50 years. A computer lab is being slowly set up as they foresee it to be something that the future generations of the elderly would be used to. Every corner is decorated with statues of saints and flowers giving it a very cosy feel. Prominently-featured in the place is Saint Jeanne Jugan, the patron saint of the elderly. We had the chance to interact with more of the immobile old folks who were being fed and tended by the Sisters. Some were still alert, but some seem to have retreated from their surroundings. Seeing them, I sometimes don't know how to react. It is a fact of life and hopefully years down the road we will be able to stay active as long as we can and when the day comes when we can no longer fend for ourselves, we are in the hands of people who are loving.
We were ushered into an open courtyard. Flanking the courtyard is a big dining area, a beautiful chapel and the surrounding buildings. They have their own laundry room and kitchen with heavy duty equipment. Everything is clean and orderly and even the more capable old folks help out to fold clothes or cook together with the nuns. Next, we were brought to a craft room where the old folks sew and make quilts. Beside it is a hair salon that is used volunteers who come and cut their hair once a month. There's also a day care room, mini market, a small canteen, a doctor's office and a fully-equipped dentist's office. Believe it or not, there's also a physiotherapy room. Outside, there's a garden with a fish pond where the old folks come to relax and enjoy the fresh air.
Much thought had been put into the place to ensure that it would be relevant and workable for at least 50 years. A computer lab is being slowly set up as they foresee it to be something that the future generations of the elderly would be used to. Every corner is decorated with statues of saints and flowers giving it a very cosy feel. Prominently-featured in the place is Saint Jeanne Jugan, the patron saint of the elderly. We had the chance to interact with more of the immobile old folks who were being fed and tended by the Sisters. Some were still alert, but some seem to have retreated from their surroundings. Seeing them, I sometimes don't know how to react. It is a fact of life and hopefully years down the road we will be able to stay active as long as we can and when the day comes when we can no longer fend for ourselves, we are in the hands of people who are loving.
Comments
+Ant+
Can always count on women of the cloth.
@Cheryl:
...
@MrD:
We all must face it...
@Simon:
It's true hor? Treat your nephews and nieces better... :P
@Nicky:
The Sisters have a concept where if the old folks need hospital treatment, they will insist that the children take them there themselves. Not to shirk all responsibility.
@Cheryl:
Definitely peaceful.
@Ichi:
:)