Is there an alternative to nursing homes? Some may want to explore alternatives and options that can provide more personalized care in the familiar surroundings of their loved ones. When I started my research on nursing homes, I found several third party providers who offer home services for those who may prefer to live in the comfort of their own home. In this article, I will be exploring alternatives to nursing homes in Malaysia and a list of providers that you can reach out to.
Do remember that nursing home differs from retirement homes (aka retirement villages or independent living). Nursing home are closer in terms of definition to assisted living – whereby a person who opts to live in such facilities requires general or medical care. For an elderly person who are totally independent, a better option would be to look at the top retirement villages and independent living homes in our previous article.
Listen to the article in podcast style – check out the below!
The Need for Alternative to Nursing Home in Malaysia
Nursing homes are the common go-to option for elderly care in Malaysia, but they are not always the best fit for every individual. Factors such as overcrowded facilities, lack of personalized care, and the emotional toll of leaving a familiar environment can be challenging. This has led to a growing interest in alternatives that offer more tailored and home-like solutions.
Home-Based Care Solution
Depending on service provider, the range of services cover:
- Short Term / Long Term Care: Caregivers provide personalized care in the comfort of your own home.
- Dementia / Alzheimer Care: Specially trained caregivers/staff that understand the unique challenges of Dementia / Alzheimer to provide dignified care for individuals with this condition.
- Sitting Service / Companionship: A caregiver that provides respite to home caregivers when needed – usually to run an errand or take a break. They are able to provide companionship and daily living assistance where needed.
- Nursing Care: Specially trained professionals who can provide expert medical care and support while in their home.
- Medical Chaperon: A trained chaperon that accompanies individuals to medical appointments.
Benefits of Home-Based Care Services
- Comfort and Familiarity: Staying in their own home provides comfort and familiarity for the elderly, reducing stress and anxiety often associated with moving to a nursing home.
- Family Involvement: Home care allows for greater involvement of family members, who can visit frequently and participate in the care process without the restrictions that nursing homes may impose.
- Customized Attention: With personalized care plans, home-based services can focus on the specific needs of each individual, rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach typical of many nursing homes.
- Cost-Effective Solutions: While nursing homes can be expensive, home care options can be more affordable and flexible, depending on the level of care needed. A family caregiver can provide basic care while the experts can provide specialized care that requires expertise.
- Trained Caregivers: Trained and compassionate caregivers can assist with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and feeding but also provide companionship, which is crucial for the emotional well-being of the elderly.
- Specialized Medical Care: For those who require specialized medical care, these service providers have expertise to assist, e.g. wound management, dressing, changing stoma bags, acupuncture, physiotherapy, and more.
List of Nursing Home Care Service Providers
Below is a list of home care providers that bring professional care into the home, allowing the elderly to remain in a familiar environment while receiving the support they need.
AsterCare
Services: Short/long term care (24 hour care with night/day shifts), Dementia care, Sitting service, Nursing care, Medical chaperon
Location: Ipoh, Perak
Contact: +6011 5900 1725
Website: https://astercare.com.my/
Forever Young Society Services by ElderCare
Services: Caregiver, Private and Home Nursing, Skilled Nursing Care, Physiotherapy, Acupuncture & Health Monitoring
Location: Selangor
Contact: +6011 2324 7838
Website: https://elderlovemissi.com.my/forever-young-society-our-home-services/
EHA Elder Care
Services: Home care, companionship and assistance to the patient, basic nursing care, basic housekeeping services for the patient
Location: Johor
Price: from RM3,200 per month
Contact: +6019 728 3697
Website: https://ehaeldercare.com.my/
My Aged Care
Services: Private home nursing care & Physio home care
Location: Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Price: From RM5,500 for 12 hours per day, 5 days per week. Excludes transportation fees – within 10km RM500, to above 20km – RM1,800
Contact: +6017 851 7200
Website: https://www.myagedcare.com.my/
Pillar Care
Services: Companion care, Personal care, Senior transportation
Location: Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Price: From RM4,600 for 20 days
Contact: +6018 204 6966
Website: https://www.pillarcare.com/
Golden Years Residence
Services: Home health service – home health aide, skilled nursing care, companion services
Location: Kota Kemuning, Selangor
Price: Home nursing care RM30/hour (min 5 hours per day within Kota Kemuning)
Contact: +6011 6332 2833
Website: https://goldenyearsresidence.com/
Homage (App)
Services: Home care, Home therapy, Specialized Care (they are a matching service via app)
Location: Malaysia-wide
Website: https://www.homage.com.my/services/elderly-care/
HomePhysio (Web)
Services: Home nursing care, home physiotherapy (they are a matching service via website)
Location: Malaysia-wide
Website: https://www.homephysio.com.my/
Contact: +6010 227 7338
Care Concierge
Services: Home care, Rehabilitation, Medical Care, Medical Chaperon
Location: Penang, Ipoh Perak, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Johor
Price:
Care Plus: RM235 (Live-in) / RM270 (Day Care) per day with minimum of 20-day monthly; Daily care RM300 (Live-in) or RM320 (Day Care)
Care Palliative: RM2,200 for 7-days; or RM8,000 for 28-day Monthly
Medical Chaperon: 2 Way, 5-Hour RM220 (exclude transportation charges)
Stroke Care: RM10,800 per month
Dementia Care: RM10,800 per month
Website: https://mycareconcierge.com/at-home-care
Contact: 1300 22 8822
Alternative to Nursing Home Care in Malaysia
As the demand for elderly care rises, it is always ideal to know what are the alternatives and options available. Nursing home care is ideal for those who prefer personalized services at the comfort of their own home. However, it does come with a hefty fee. From the above, Care Concierge’s website stated that a home care provider for Stroke is RM10,800 per month. There are a lot of benefits to having home care, among them are maintaining familiar environments which can have a positive impact on the individual. Besides providing professional care, families can also be assured of a higher quality of life for the elderly.