MoSA Helps Elderly to Improve Quality of Life

JAKARTA (January 23th, 2024) - The Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) provided a quick response to elderly residents, named Somad (70) and his wife, Mrs. Sani (70), who suffered from various illnesses and faced family economic problems. These residents of Ciomas District, Bogor Regency, were handled by the Directorate of Social Rehabilitation for the Elderly and “Galih Pakuan” Center in Bogor.

"Our quick response to the condition of Mr. Somad's family is based on the Minister of Social Affairs’ direction, the Directorate of Social Rehabilitation for the Elderly and “Galih Pakuan” Center in Bogor. The treatment given is based on the results of a comprehensive assessment carried out on Mr. Somad and his family," said the Director of Social Rehabilitation for the Elderly at MoSA, Supomo in Jakarta, Tuesday (23/1).

Somad had been experiencing health problems for the last five months and his cataracts were getting worse. As a result, Somad, who was diagnosed with Tuberculosis (TBC) at the age of 15, was unable to carry out normal activities. Likewise his wife, Mrs. Sani who stayed on her bed more often as her vertigo was often relapsed.

Somad, who sold traditional cakes in Bogor every day, earned very little income. It was difficult even to eat, moreover to treat his illnesses and pay attention to his health. Apart from that, Somad and his wife also had to pay for the school fees of their grandson, Agung Laksana (16), who is currently studying in vocational school.

To deal with his health problems, the Directorate of Social Rehabilitation for the Elderly and “Galih Pakuan” Center in Bogor took Somad and his wife to undergo intensive treatment at Bogor City Regional Hospital for 5 days. MoSA also provided operational costs during the treatment and the medicines which were not covered by BPJS.
Sani was also given a 3-legged walking stick to make her daily activities easier.

To meet daily needs, MoSA also provided ATENSI assistance for Somad and his family in the form of meeting basic needs, nutrition, personal hygiene equipment, cooking utensils and home repairs.

Comprehensive assistance was provided by MoSA. Beside helping the handling of the health and nutritional problems of Somad and his wife, MoSA also provided business assistance for Somad in the form of ingredients and equipment for making traditional cakes. His daily business was hampered due to lack of capital and poor health.

Furthermore, MoSA provided assistance to pay their grandson’s tuition, registration and exam fees that had been in arrears as well as providing assistance with school supplies. MoSA had also coordinated with the school to provide relief to Agung and ensured that he did not drop out of school.

Social Worker Intermediate Expert at “Galih Pakuan” Center in Bogor, Sutrisno said that his party would continue to monitor the health’s developments of Somad and his wife. "We will continue to monitor, especially in TBC drug therapy," said him. Monitoring was carried out together with Laladon Community Health Center and elderly companions. Furthermore, if the TBC disease has healed, Somad will undergo cataract surgery so that his eyesight will be good again.