Ipoh to Host Nation’s First Residential Dementia Facility
By Anne Das
A landmark initiative is taking shape in Ipoh that marks a national first. The Dementia Society Perak has announced plans to build Malaysia’s first-ever dedicated residential care facility for people living with dementia. This pioneering centre will serve individuals in the moderate to severe stages of the condition, especially those who can no longer be safely cared for at home.
Currently, there are no dementia-specific residential facilities in the country. Families across Malaysia must rely on general aged care homes or day centres. Many of these are not equipped to manage the cognitive, emotional and physical challenges that come with progressive dementia. This new centre will fill a critical and long-standing gap in the care system.
Dementia is a progressive condition that typically unfolds in seven stages. This facility is designed for those in the final two stages, where full-time care becomes essential.
In Stage 6, individuals may no longer recognise close family members, require help with all daily activities, and experience confusion or personality changes. By Stage 7, most patients have lost the ability to walk or speak. They are often bed or wheelchair-bound, incontinent and entirely dependent on others for care.
Malaysia’s first dementia residential care home will provide a secure, professionally managed environment tailored to these critical needs. It is designed not only for Perak residents but will welcome families and individuals from across Malaysia seeking the right kind of specialised care.
What the Facility Will Provide:
- 24-hour care by dementia-trained professionals
- Personalised support plans based on medical needs and life history
- Secure spaces that allow safe wandering and reduce agitation
- Respite and palliative care for families facing urgent needs
Unlike general nursing homes, which may house over 100 residents with varied conditions, this facility is purpose-built for dementia care. The staff will be trained specifically in managing behavioural symptoms, memory decline and communication challenges common in late-stage dementia. Every aspect of the building and care structure will follow global best practices in dementia design.
Over the past 15 years, Professor Dr Esther Ebenezer and her team have built the “Ipoh Model of Care” (A trusted system that provides early diagnosis, carer training and day care services) This new residential centre builds on that foundation. It marks the next phase offering long-term support to individuals who need it most.
The project was officially introduced at a recent fundraising gala dinner hosted by the Dementia Society Perak at the Royal Perak Golf Club. The event launched the campaign to raise RM3 million and was attended by Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Jaafar Ibni Almarhum Raja Muda Musa. RM192,000 was raised on the night, with strong backing from the medical doctors, caregivers and business communities.
This initiative is aligned with the National Dementia Action Plan introduced by the Ministry of Health in 2024, aimed at building a sustainable system of healthcare and social support for people living with dementia.
Dementia is rapidly emerging as one of Malaysia’s most urgent healthcare challenges. Perak, one of the fastest ageing states, is already feeling the strain. It’s estimated that around 12,600 people in the state are currently living with dementia.
Many are looked after at home by spouses or children who lack formal training, while others are placed in general nursing homes that may not have the expertise or infrastructure to handle advanced dementia care.
How You Can Contribute
This project needs community support to become a reality. Donations will help fund land preparation, construction, training and setup of essential services. Whether you are an individual or part of an organisation, your contribution will go directly towards building Malaysia’s first dedicated dementia residential care home. A facility that will serve families in urgent need of support.
If you would like to contribute or get involved, here are the details:
🌐 Website: https://thedementiasocietyperak.org
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/TheDementiaSocietyPerak
📞 Tel: 05–5060806 📱 Mobile: 011–62600806
📍 Location: 56, Jalan Lang, Padang Tembak, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
