UniKL Students Champion Geriatric Care with Heartwarming Picnic

Anne Das 28/10/2023

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by Anne Das

In a world that often races forward, there’s something truly magical about slowing down and celebrating life’s simplest joys. For UniKL Royal College of Medicine Perak (RCMP) Year 4 medical students, these joys come to life through an innovative approach to their curriculum, one that places geriatric care in the spotlight.

The recent outing to Taman Dr. Seenivasagam was proof of their commitment to the elderly and their dedication to holistic healthcare.

All smiles as everyone claps and sings along to the beloved tunes of yesteryears, igniting cherished memories.

Associate Professor Dr. Esther Ebenezer, the head of BeBeLEC, encapsulated the day’s significance with these words, “The recent outing to Taman Dr. Seenivasagam was a win-win situation. It provided our clients with outdoor activities and increased social interaction, while also giving our UniKL students valuable hands-on experience in understanding dementia and providing personalised care”.

An exciting ‘day out’ brimming with smiles and shared moments unfolded as more than 50 family members and day-care clients from BeBeLEC, among them individuals with dementia, joined forces with UniKL’s medical students. This event showcased the profound essence of compassion and the remarkable ability of human connections to spark transformation.

UniKL students gearing up as BeBeLEC Centre members for a rollicking ‘Rope & Bottle Roll’ showdown – who can unite these bottles with the ultimate rope-rolling finesse?”

UniKL students actively participate in the ‘flying ball’ game, using traditional kain batik to transfer balls to another piece of fabric.

The day wasn’t just about fun and games, although there were plenty of those. It was about embracing the needs of the elderly, understanding the challenges of dementia, and providing care that goes beyond the clinical. UniKL’s 17 Year 4 Medical Students played a crucial role in organising activities that not only brought smiles but also created meaningful connections.

Through the magic of music and dance, we witness the power of emotional expression and joy, enriching the lives of those living with dementia.

The picnic wasn’t just about education; it was about fostering a sense of community and breaking the stigma surrounding dementia. As UniKL RCMP’s Year 4 medical students continue to engage with various geriatrics institutions and centres, they are not just becoming medical professionals; they are becoming advocates for the elderly, breaking down barriers, one compassionate act at a time.

Creating heartwarming connections, UniKL students break barriers through the movement of dance.

In reflection, the recent outing at Taman Dr. Seenivasagam was a heartwarming example of how thoughtful engagement, vibrant connections, and the joy of play can make a profound difference in the lives of those we cherish. As UniKL students continue to champion geriatric care, they remind us that every shared moment is a step toward nurturing the human spirit and fostering lasting bonds.