By Aida Aziz
IPOH: “Come and visit me so we can celebrate Deepavali together here…”
That is the wish expressed by Indian residents at the Sai Setia Kasih Nursing Home in Silibin.
There are various stories about how they came to reside in the home, but all hope for family or friends to visit during the festive season.
Sarah, 61, who has lived there for over 10 years, said she has three siblings who have all migrated to Germany.
She suffers from depression, which forced her to stay there.
“My other siblings are all in Germany, and my parents have passed away. In 2002, I experienced a severe relapse, and my family could no longer care for me due to my aggressive behavior.
“As a result, they had no choice but to send me to a care home. I have lived in several other care homes over the years, totaling more than 20 years, including here,” she said.
Previously employed as a secretary at an insurance company, she noted that for the past 20 years, she has only celebrated Deepavali with other residents at the care home.
She expressed a longing to celebrate the festival with her siblings and relatives, even for a brief moment, which she feels would be enough.
“My family doesn’t come at all, I hope my relatives in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, will visit this year.
“Please come during Deepavali, I feel sad and miss them here,” she said.
Meanwhile, Martin, 29, from Penang, shared that he was sent to the home by his family last August.
He previously worked in engineering but faced stress and depression, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“If possible, I want to leave here as soon as possible, but I don’t want to burden my family with my current condition.
“On this Deepavali, I hope to find work again and become a useful son to my family,” he said.
Additionally, one resident of Chinese descent, Denise, 50, from Parit Buntar, has been living in the home for 11 years.
She suffers from schizophrenia, which has prevented her from working.
“Initially, my condition was quite severe, but over time, I have improved and feel more at peace.
“I can now work part-time at the care home, helping staff with cleaning and other tasks.
“My family does visit me here every few months, and my condition has been getting better,” she said.
