PENANG: A gradual transformation unfolds as the nation’s population ages in Malaysia. With this demographic shift from ageing to an aged society, the question arises: how can we provide care for those who once cared for us?
Amid this changing landscape, Ji Xiang Old Folks’ Home in Air Itam, Penang, stands as evidence to the resilience of our senior citizens. They have weathered life’s storms and emerged with a wealth of experience and wisdom to share with our younger generations.
The signs of bygone years are written on their faces – wrinkles that tell stories and eyes that hold memories. Now in the golden chapters of their lives, we find a vibrant community of sanguinity, each with a unique story etched into the fabric of time.
Our exploration into the lives of Ji Xiang’s residents brought us to this little-known double-storey care facility for older people. Tucked in a corner of a housing area, Ji Xiang is home to 17 residents – 13 men and four women.
Inside its walls, these elderly residents find solace under the care of Tiffanny Wong, an altruistic person, and their primary caregiver. As a staunch Buddhist, Wong shoulders the responsibility of tending to her charges’ every need, aided by her team of three workers. Their tireless efforts rely entirely on public donations to secure a monthly budget of up to RM18,000, covering essentials such as adult diapers, medications, nourishing meals and various other expenses.
A typical day at Ji Xiang begins with a breakfast consisting of cereal such as oats and “Nestum” from 6.30am. Some residents engage in gentle exercises to nurture their mobility, while others enjoy refreshing showers or receive attentive care from the staff. The staff also attend to dressing wounds and changing bandages, addressing issues like bedsores or bacterial infections caused by incessant scratching.
“Medical expenses really take up a significant portion of our budget,” Wong said.
“We use a lot of tubes, urine bags, feeding syringes and alcohol wipes. Some residents require dressing or tube changes twice daily. Additionally, our residents rely heavily on adult diapers.”
Many residents at Ji Xiang Old Folks’ Home are rather adept with their electronic gadgets, mesmerised by the wealth of information and entertainment provided by their mobile phones and tablets to explore their interests online.
They spend hours on end listening to the news, music and watching their favourite videos.
Meanwhile, those who cherish the tangible feel of a newspaper find their sanctuary in a tranquil, shaded and inviting open-air area within the compounds of the home.
“Lunchtime is something we all look forward to,” said Mei Shan, a 72-year-old resident grappling with high blood pressure. The in-house cook prepares vegetarian meals that not only fill stomachs but also warm hearts.
Residents such as Ah San and Uncle John, who require assistance with their meals due to blindness or being bedridden, receive dedicated support from the compassionate staff to ensure they receive the vital nourishment essential for their well-being.
One resident, immobilised due to a brain haemorrhage, relies on feeding tubes for sustenance. There are also individuals like Poh Ee, courageously battling cancer, who receive specially prepared meals designed to accommodate their dietary requirements.
The period between lunch and dinner is a time for residents to socialise among themselves or return to their digital companions.
Alice, who arrived with painful bedsores, shared her healing journey with Wong’s unwavering support. “Tiffanny is like family,” she said with a grateful smile. “She helped me heal and regain my strength.”
Goh, an immobile resident who was admitted due to a terrible accident that resulted in a spinal injury affecting the seventh vertebrae, shares his story.
“I used to work as a delivery man and the accident happened in Perak. Life has been challenging but Tiffanny has been helping me with the Socso claims process. I suppose everything happens for a reason. When the accident took almost everything away, I was devastated. However, I remain thankful for being alive and for the caring friends that I’ve found here,” he said.
In the quiet corners of the care facility resides a woman named Ah Yin, whose son used to abuse her physically and has never visited her. She reflects on her situation with a sense of forbearance.
“My son may not come to visit me, but I find comfort in the little things I receive here. The food and shelter, the care and attention, and even the visits to the hospital mean the world to me. I’ve learnt to be grateful for what I have, even when I’m lonely.”
Wong also shared the story of Aunty Kim, a resident who has been diagnosed with depression. “Whenever she feels depressed, she will say all sorts of things. It makes us worry too, and we try to talk her out of her negative thoughts. Fortunately, we have very caring residents here who also provide her with lots of love and support.”
Yet another resident, a single mother after the passing of her husband, expresses gratitude for having a place to stay at Ji Xiang. This allows her to free her 16-year-old son from worries so that he can concentrate on his studies instead of being burdened with working and caring for his mother.
As we weave through the intriguing stories in this refuge of love and compassion, illuminated by the warmth of human connection and the commitment of individuals like Wong, we are reminded of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), especially SDG #3: “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.”
If this story resonates with you and you wish to make a meaningful impact, we strongly encourage you to support this cause. Your financial contributions can make a significant difference in the lives of our senior citizens.
For further inquiries and additional ways to get involved, contact Tiffanny Wong at 012-4842447. With your help, our senior citizens can continue to receive the care, respect and dignity they deserve.
**Names have been changed to protect the identities of the residents at Ji Xiang Old Folks’ Home.
