BRUNEI: Not Averse To Old Age Home In Bandar, say Bruneians

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (BrueniDirect), March 31, 2008: Setting up an elderly home or old folks' home in the capital for some Bruneians is not a bad idea if it provides comfort and care for the elderly and admittance should be based on certain criteria only. Certain conditions should be given for those admitted to an old person’s home, such as the families are unable to support their elders anymore or for those with special medical cases, said Nur Hayatul Hj Yusop, a secondary school teacher. She said that admittance could also be granted on a voluntary basis only. "Make it the elderly's choice so that it's not forced upon them," she said. "An elderly home should have a home atmosphere with activities to stimulate the elderly's minds and physiotherapy with constant care and medical supplies," said Nur Hayatul. The 40-year-old teacher admitted that she would not mind retiring to an old folks' home herself if it was exclusive and well-taken care of. However, she said that those who shirk their responsibilities to their parents will take advantage of sending them to such institutions. A volunteer at the Old Persons Home in Seria said that there are elderly patients from Bandar and Kuala Belait hospitals who are brought to the elderly home in Seria because they have no place and no families to go to as the hospitals cannot keep them in the hospital for too long. The Old Persons Home in Seria was established in 1957 and was officiated by the late father of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei. The centre is run by a nonprofit organisation and receives donations from various private sectors and individuals. It receives monthly visits from doctors and nurses from government hospitals who check the conditions of the residents and supply medication. To date, the centre houses some 11 senior citizens who have no families or a place to live. "You would be surprised, some of our senior citizens might actually want companions their own age," the volunteer told The Brunei Times. "If there was to be an Old Persons Home in Bandar then it should be properly funded with very good conditions," said the volunteer, who wishes to remain unnamed. "It is not necessarily an act of cruelty," said Shazani Karim, a businesswoman who owns a small retail shop in the capital. "I am fortunate enough to have the means to take care of my parents until they grow old but what about the less fortunate who have no money and no means?" she asked. There are senior citizens who live with their children and their childrens' families in dilapidated homes and they deserve some medical attention and a clean place to live that cannot be provided by their families, she added. "We don't realise that there are old people out there who are neglected by their families," said Shazani, recalling that a nurse who works in a hospital in Tutong had once revealed to her that some of the elderly admitted there for medical attention extend their stay at the hospital because they have nowhere to go or no families to take care of them. "They like staying at the hospital because it gives them a warm bed, nice food and people who take care of them and gives them attention at all hours of the day," she said. Putting your parents in an old folks' home does not mean you are neglecting your responsibilities to them, said Saiful Fizal, a local student. "It should not be considered as abandoning your parents because you can visit and spend time with them there," said Saiful. "If they are taken good care of at the institution, those who work long hours who cannot afford a maid won't have to worry about their parents' wellbeing while they're at work," he added. By Finaz Daniel Courtesy: The Brunei Times