KUCHING: As Malaysia approaches its transition into an aged nation by 2030, proactive measures are being implemented to address the growing challenges of dementia care in Sarawak.
Rotary Club of Bintulu Central (RCBC), in partnership with the Alzheimer Disease Foundation Malaysia (ADFM) has embarked on a project known as the Alzheimer’s Care Project.
“Phase 1 of this initiative aims to enhance public awareness and develop sustainable human resources to support dementia care, laying a strong foundation for future efforts. Sarawak’s ageing population is on the rise, with 12.7 per cent of residents aged 60 and above and 8.3 per cent aged 65 and above, placing the state third among Malaysia’s 13 states in terms of ageing demographics.
“These statistics underscore the urgency of establishing a robust support system to prepare for the challenges of an ageing society,” RCBC said in a press release.
The first phase of the Alzheimer’s Care Project consists of three key areas to ensure its success. Public awareness campaigns were conducted from Oct 18 to Nov 9, 2024, through a series of webinars. These sessions provided invaluable knowledge to caregivers and families, offering insights into effective dementia care practices.
“Another cornerstone of this phase is the Train the Trainer (TTT) programme, which recently completed its first training session in Kuching on Nov 21, 2024. This programme, which offers 128 free slots divided equally between healthcare professionals and community representatives, aims to create a network of certified dementia care trainers.
“Following the success of the Kuching session, the programme is now open for registration for its next class, scheduled for March 2025 in Kuching, with plans to extend it to Sibu, Bintulu, and Miri between 2025 and 2026,” it added.
Complementing the TTT programme is the community caregiver training initiative, where certified trainers will provide localised training tailored to the specific cultural and community needs of Sarawak’s diverse population. This approach ensures that caregiving support reaches even the most underserved areas, while trainers from JKN Sarawak offer ongoing guidance and expertise to community trainers.
The Alzheimer’s Care Project envisions these efforts as part of a larger “river of care,” bringing together medical professionals and community trainers to create a sustainable and compassionate network of support. By fostering collaboration and empowering communities, this initiative ensures that no individual or family faces dementia alone.
RCBC is calling on individuals, associations, and NGOs to join this meaningful effort by participating in the Train the Trainer programme. Together, they aim to nurture a dementia-friendly Sarawak where understanding, love, and care flow freely across all communities.
For more information about the initiative, visit the project’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/AlzheimersCarebyRCBC) or contact RCBC via email at rcbcbintulu@gmail.com.
