IN SEARCH OF A GOOD NURSING HOME

Eldercare Nursing Home, Taman Seputeh

One thing I've learned from my online search for a good nursing home is that there's a world of difference between what you see on the website, and what greets your eyes when you visit the homes.

Over the past couple of weeks, my young friend Perrin and I have been on a quest to find a suitable nursing home - she for her 87-year old granny, and me for my 85-year old mother. Both women recently underwent hip surgery after a fall at home. Perrin and I have been exchanging notes on the homes we have visited and crossing them off our list one by one. It's easier to find an oasis in a desert than finding a home that meets our standards.

A locked gate drives away visitors, and makes one wonder about the quality of life for the residents in this nursing home.

Most homes, or at least the ones we have checked out so far are in appalling condition. They are little more than rundown bungalows in desperate need of repair and a fresh coat of paint. The garden, if there is one, could do with some TLC, like the residents inside. A whiff of urine and stale food assaults your nostrils as you cross the threshold into the living room or lobby. The WELCOME mat has seen better days. As someone so aptly put it, "I wouldn't even want to put my dog there!" I couldn't agree with him more.

Inside you are greeted with an equally depressing sight of elderly folks shuffling aimlessly about, or sitting around looking blankly at the TV screen. The bedridden ones lie there with their faces to the wall or just staring at the ceiling. I am sure the days pass painfully slowly for most of these aged residents. There is nothing to look forward to each day except meals and, if they are lucky, a rare visit from a family member.

First impression counts, and it begins with a bright welcoming smile.

Fortunately, there are a few homes that have won us over. Currently top on my list is Eldercare Nursing Home in Taman Seputeh. It's clean, airy, spacious, bright and well-maintained like a home should be. The staff appear friendly and caring, and the residents seem quite content.

It was lunch time when I dropped in unannounced last Saturday with some friends. The food looked inviting enough. We had a peek into the bedrooms and bathrooms, and were pleased at what we saw. All rooms have queen-sized beds, with comfortable mattresses and clean sheets. Hospital-type beds are available on request.

Residents have a choice of single rooms or 2-4 beds in a room. Each single room comes with a flat-screen TV (with Astro), and some have an attached bathroom. Monthly charges start at Rm1850, with an extra Rm300 for diapers if needed. Apparently, there are no vacancies at the moment, and there's a long waiting list.

The spacious lobby with a mini-fountain and an ornate staircase leading to the upper floors.

That same afternoon, we were invited to check out the newly-opened second Eldercare Home further up the road off Jalan Klang Lama. We were impressed by what we saw. A guided tour and a chat later with Brian who runs both homes with his wife Sonia left us with no doubt that this couple is driven by a passion to raise the standard of residential nursing care in the country, with Eldercare leading the way.
(Update on 27 Oct 2011: Since this article was posted, Eldercare has moved from Taman Seputeh to the new home at Eldercare Villa in Jalan Klang Lama. Click here to access their new website for more info.)


One of the air-conditioned rooms at Eldercare Villa.

Brian has years of experience running a nursing home in the UK, and wife Sonia is a UK-trained nurse. The couple looks set to change the face of nursing homes in Malaysia.

At Rm2200 a month for a shared room, and Rm3200 for a single room, Eldercare Villa is definitely for those who want the best and can afford the best.

The landscaped garden at My Manor.

If that's not upmarket enough for you, try My Manor. At Rm5000 a month, it must be the most expensive nursing home in the country. I visited it two years ago. The charges would probably have gone up by now. The website is currently under construction. If you are interested in checking it out, the address is 27, Jalan Taman 7/6, Petaling Jaya. Contact Janet at +603 7954 8421 or  +6016 233 8421, or email her at janmm27@gmail.com  
        

Bellevue Residential Homecare is just round the corner from EPF, Jalan Gasing.

If you prefer something more affordable, you might want to consider Bellevue Residential Homecare in Section 5, Petaling Jaya. Medical Director of the home is Dr Teh Ban Hup. When I called up this afternoon for directions, Nursing Sister Lee Mee Ngor told me to look out for "the tallest building along that road. It's pink, with a black gate that's always open". When I got there, not only was the gate open, but also the front door - a good sign that visitors are always welcomed, and there's nothing to hide. Sister Lee gave me a quick tour of the place. My verdict? Well, it's on my KIV list if that means anything. You can check out the facilities and services on their website. Monthly charges are Rm1500 and above.

And so my quest for a good nursing home continues...

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