“My dad doesn’t feel shy about ageing because he accepts that he’s old – he sees the nurses who are helping him as his children or grandchildren. It feels like we have more members in the family when they visit.” 

Ms. Normah Binte Ali, daughter of Mr. Ali Bin Abdul Kader

At 93, Mr. Ali Bin Abdul Kader is still in good spirits. He and his wife live with their fourth daughter among seven children and eleven grandchildren. He worked behind the cinema screens as an operator in his younger days and in the golden age of cinema, when film reels were still common fixture. Having retired many years ago, his routine these days is much gentler and mostly spent at home. He engages in prayer, short walks along the corridor, and watches the news and shows on television with his daughter and primary caregiver, Ms. Normah Binte Ali.

Mr. Ali lives with several chronic conditions including hypertension, anaemia, chronic kidney disease, ischaemic heart disease, and a distal abdominal aortic aneurysm. When troubling urinary symptoms led to the discovery of a bladder tumour, surgery was ruled out because of the aneurysm and a long history of fainting spells. The family instead chose conservative management with a long-term catheter. It eased urinary retention, reduced discomfort, and helped regularise bowel movements, allowing Mr. Ali to rest and eat more comfortably.

Mr. Ali’s home support began after the family was linked to AMK – THKH and our Home Health Team by the AIC. Our social worker guided funding applications, arranged a recliner, and later secured a medical bed so that Mr. Ali could breathe more easily when lying down. The homecare plan for Mr. Ali includes home nursing every two weeks, and home medical review every other month.

For Ms. Normah, the primary caregiver who left her job to look after both parents, the Home Health Team has provided her with useful caregiving knowledge. She recalls overreacting to Mr. Ali’s abnormal urine colour one time, until the homecare nurse assessed his condition and advised her to look for specific, accompanying symptoms to determine if Mr. Ali needed urgent medical attention.

The nurses also set practical hygiene routines, shared tips for managing leaks and transfers, and kept an eye on “small” matters such as dry skin. With clear guidance and an accessible number from our Home Health Team, these small concerns are handled early. Siblings also rotate duties, and the youngest brother steps in when needed, so Ms. Normah’s caregiving load is lifted.

Mr. Ali and family is an example of how home healthcare could fit into an individual’s care plan as one ages in place – homecare visits are routine and complementary, not intrusive, while social support is available to provide financial assistance and alleviate caregiver stress.

For his age, Mr. Ali could stand on both feet and walk short distances with a cane, although Ms. Normah debates how stubborn he could be on ambulating, “he refuses to be on a wheelchair and tries to walk where possible, such as when going to the specialist, or even the polling station to elect the President!” Ms. Normah jokes, “Thankfully, he agreed to let the polling officials come to our home for the last election.” Mr. Ali keeps a short list of advice to stay fit for his age: drink only warm water, maintain a healthy diet, do a lot of prayers and remember God.