Increasing Cases of Elderly Abandonment in Malaysia
Elderly abandonment in Malaysia is becoming a significant concern. With the ageing population projected to rise from 2.5 million in 2023 to 4.5 million by 2030, the instances of elderly individuals being neglected by their families are increasing. This disturbing trend is observed both in private nursing homes and government-run hospitals.
Statistics Highlight the Growing Problem
Recent data highlights the escalating issue of elderly abandonment in Malaysia. In Hospital Kuala Lumpur, cases of abandoned elderly patients rose by 50% over three years, from 239 cases in 2020 to 358 in 2023.
Nationwide, over 2,100 senior citizens were abandoned in hospitals from 2018 to June 2022. Additionally, the Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development reported 39 cases of elderly abandonment in government welfare homes as of May 2024.
Financial Strain as a Key Factor
Financial strain plays a significant role in elderly abandonment in Malaysia. The cost of elderly care is substantial, with monthly fees for nursing homes ranging from RM1,900 to RM2,000.
Many families, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds, find it challenging to afford these expenses. This financial burden often leads to difficult decisions, resulting in elderly relatives being left in care facilities without ongoing support. Many nursing homes and hospitals across the country report similar instances. The escalating fees and limited financial resources force families into untenable positions, highlighting the urgent need for more robust financial support systems and affordable elder care options in Malaysia.
Government Support and Welfare Homes
Despite the existence of government welfare homes that provide free care, limited space remains a significant challenge. The government operates 11 welfare homes catering to roughly 2,000 senior citizens.
However, with an estimated 25,000 elderly individuals needing care in old-age homes, the capacity is insufficient to meet the demand. The government provides RM500 per month to seniors and families caring for disabled or sick elderly, yet this support often falls short of covering the actual costs of care. Enhanced financial aid and expanded welfare facilities are crucial to addressing the growing needs of Malaysia’s ageing population.
Legal and Social Interventions
The Malaysian government is taking steps to address elderly abandonment through proposed legislation. The upcoming Senior Citizens Bill aims to protect the welfare and basic rights of seniors. Additionally, there are considerations to take legal action against irresponsible children who neglect their aged parents, potentially involving penalties or salary deductions.
Moreover, mediation has been suggested as an effective method for resolving elderly family disputes, preventing the emotional distress and relational breakdowns often associated with litigation. Implementing these strategies could significantly improve the lives of abandoned elderly individuals.
Psychosocial Impact and Need for Support
Elderly abandonment leads to severe psychosocial impacts. Those abandoned by their families face feelings of loneliness, neglect, and psychological distress. A study of elderly residents in Noble Care Malaysia highlighted these issues, revealing the profound mental and physical well-being challenges faced by abandoned seniors. Abandonment significantly affects their mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and a sense of worthlessness. The lack of familial support exacerbates their isolation, making it difficult for them to engage in social activities or maintain a positive outlook.
Moreover, abandoned elderly individuals struggle with basic needs, such as proper nutrition and healthcare, further deteriorating their overall health. Providing comprehensive mental health services, social support programs, and community engagement activities is crucial to improving the quality of life for these seniors. Establishing support groups and counselling services can also help them cope with the emotional trauma of abandonment.
Potential Solutions and Mediation for Elderly Abandonment in Malaysia
Mediation has been suggested as an effective method for resolving elderly family disputes, offering a less adversarial alternative to litigation. Mediation helps avoid emotional distress and relational breakdowns often associated with legal battles.
Lessons from countries like Canada and Australia show that mediation can successfully address familial conflicts involving elderly care. Implementing mediation strategies in Malaysia could provide a practical solution to reduce elderly abandonment, fostering better family relationships and ensuring that seniors receive the care and support they need.
Addressing Hospitalisation Due to Abuse
Elderly abuse, including neglect, often results in hospitalisation. A study in rural Malaysia found that 8.1% of elderly respondents experienced abuse, with 16% of them hospitalized in the past 12 months. The factors influencing hospitalisation include a complex interplay of medical and social circumstances. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive intervention strategies to address both the immediate health needs and the underlying social issues contributing to elderly abuse. Enhanced healthcare services, social support, and legal protections are essential to prevent abuse and reduce hospitalisations among the elderly.
Call for Enhanced Care and Legislation to Combat Elderly Abandonment in Malaysia
The rising cases of elderly abandonment in Malaysia call for urgent attention and action. Enhanced government support, improved legal protections, and effective mediation strategies are crucial to addressing this growing issue.
The proposed Senior Citizens Bill, aimed at safeguarding the rights and well-being of Malaysia’s elderly population, is a step in the right direction. Increasing awareness and societal responsibility towards elderly care are also essential to combat this issue. By implementing these measures, Malaysia can ensure that its senior citizens receive the respect, care, and support they deserve.
References
- Ramli, S. R., Fauzi, H., & Roslan, A. K. (2023). Legal Protection for Financial Abuse among Elderly in Malaysia. Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (MJSSH), 8(3), e002208. https://doi.org/10.47405/mjssh.v8i3.2208
- Jamaluddin, S. Z., Taher, M. A., & Wong, H. S. (2023). Application of Mediation in Resolving Elderly Family Issues in Malaysia: Lessons from Canada and Australia. Kajian Malaysia, 41(1), 62–84. https://doi.org/10.21315/km2023.41.1.4
- Firdaus, M. a. M., Yunus, R. M., Hairi, N. N., Choo, W. Y., Hairi, F., Suddin, L. S., Sooryanarayana, R., Ismail, N., Peramalah, D., Ali, Z. M., Ahmad, S. N., Razak, I. A., Othman, S., & Bulgiba, A. (2022). Elder abuse and hospitalization in rural Malaysia. PLoS ONE, 17(6), e0270163. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0270163
- Noor, S., Isa, F. M., & Muhammad, N. M. N. (2021). Silent Scream of Malaysian Elderly: A Case Study in Noble Care Ageing Centres. Research on Ageing and Social Policy. https://doi.org/10.17583/rasp.2021.6388
- Bezerra, K. C., & Watanabe, C. Y. V. (2020). Inverse Affective Abandonment and the Judicialization of Affection. Deleted Journal, 8(4), 536–547. https://doi.org/10.31686/ijier.vol8.iss4.2308
- Saieed, Z. (2024, July 30). ‘They did not want to deal with me’: Rise in elderly in Malaysia abandoned by families. The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/they-did-not-want-to-deal-with-me-rise-in-elderly-in-malaysia-abandoned-by-their-families
