SHAH ALAM, April 22 — Selangor will set up the Respite Care Wellness Hub for senior citizens and disabled folk (OKU) to support their caregivers, especially those who are women.
State executive councillor for women empowerment and welfare Anfaal Saari said this is as women and caregivers in general have to manage their disabled charges and elderly relatives alone to the point of stress.
She added that the state government also plans to relax eligibility criteria for Bantuan Kehidupan Sejahtera Selangor (BINGKAS) welfare aid soon.
“Other than cash aid, we are also planning a … temporary care centre in the form of a daycare for disabled children and senior citizens.
“With this wellness hub, caregivers can drop off their wards for three to four hours to attend to personal errands,” Anfaal said in response to Sungai Ramal assemblyman Shafie Ngah’s query on single mothers of disabled children, during the oral question-and-answer session at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly sitting here today.
BINGKAS’ current eligibility criteria requires recipients to have two under-18 children, but the state is looking to expand this to other groups that require care, including senior citizens and OKU.
“These initiatives (respite centre and relaxed BINGKAS eligibility criteria) not only helps ease stress, but gives space for caregivers, especially women, to improve their quality of life and capabilities,” Anfaal said.
