Heart in Action: Championing Elderly Care at Love and Caring Old Folks Home

On 16 June 2025, members of the IMU University Pharmacy Student Association (IPSA) carried out a heartwarming community outreach initiative at the Love and Caring Old Folks Home, located in Puncak Jalil, Seri Kembangan. 

This visit was more than just an act of charity, it reflected the students’ deep commitment to health advocacy, empathy, and social responsibility. The event was led by Ngue Kuan Seong, President of IPSA, and conducted under the guidance of Kow Chia Siang, IPSA advisor.

It was a true reflection of the association’s commitment to promoting public health, empathy, and social responsibility.

The day commenced with a health screening session where elderly residents underwent basic yet important check-ups, including blood pressure and blood glucose level monitoring. These tests were performed by the pharmacy students.

To ensure continuity of care, students recorded the screening date and results, which were then placed next to each resident’s introduction card.

This allows caregivers at the home to monitor changes in each elderly resident’s health over time, promoting timely intervention where necessary.

In addition to health screening, the students conducted medication checks for the residents. This included:

• Reviewing the expiry dates of medications to prevent unintentional consumption of outdated drugs.
• Verifying proper storage and administration practices.
• Ensuring residents with elevated blood pressure or glucose levels were appropriately referred for medical attention or had medications in place.

This process reinforced the importance of medication safety, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, who often have multiple prescriptions and may struggle with self-management.

Understanding the daily needs of the elderly, the IPSA team also prepared and delivered a variety of essential supplies. These included:

• adult diapers for hygiene support.
• Packets of cream crackers and biscuits to provide nutritious and easy-to-eat snacks.
• Cooking oil and detergents to support meal preparation and cleanliness.
• Other daily-use items like toiletries and incontinence products.

Each donated item was selected thoughtfully to meet the home’s needs and ease the burden on caregivers.

Throughout the day, students also spent quality time engaging with the residents—chatting, laughing, and listening to their stories. These interactions, although simple, were filled with warmth and sincerity, leaving a lasting emotional impact on both the students and the elderly.

The visit exemplified how future healthcare professionals can extend their role beyond clinical knowledge, embracing the values of compassion, communication, and community service. Events like this are not only beneficial to the recipients but also serve as meaningful experiences for students, cultivating empathy and a deeper understanding of geriatric care.

Written by Tan Yan Fei (BP123), IPSA Vice President