PAPAR: The Holy Family Residence for senior citizens at Kampung Purak will see the addition of a new dormitory soon to cater for the demand of the elderly seeking accommodation and care in their old age.
Earthworks have been completed and construction of the new dormitory is expected to commence any day now, said Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (FSIC) Mother-General, Sister Grace Deosing, who said the addition is part of the events to mark the Home’s 25th anniversary celebrations.
“After 25 years, we see the need to continue with our expansion programme to meet the ever increasing demand for beds at the Home, and it is our hope to take in another 16 residents by the middle of next year,” a spokesman for the Home said in a statement.
“There is a long waiting list actually but we just cannot accommodate everyone as much as we would like to; we lack sufficient rooms and to increase our manpower requirements would also mean additional overheads. But we are doing everything possible within our means, and with the generous support from members of the public, we hope to make our plans come true soon,” she said.
The new dormitory is expected to cost RM300,000 and funds are currently being raised by the management team and hopefully through the kind and generous donations from the caring public.
The Holy Family Residence which was founded in 1987 by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese now has 36 residents, five of them men. The Home is managed by the FSIC Sisters under the guidance of a board of directors.
It is managed completely on funds raised from the public, benefactors and well-wishers while residents who can afford it, pay a small fee for their board and lodging.
Applicants to the Home must have completed their 70th birthday with priority being given to those without any immediate relatives to care for them. While preference is given to Catholics, Mother-General can waive admission requirements in special circumstances.
Corporate groups and individuals who wish to contribute to the building fund can contact Sister Clara Orou at 013 870 9800 or Sister Patricia Loo at 088 911 334.