JOHOR BARU: THE Pusat Penjagaan Warga Tua Ehsan, a senior citizen's care centre needs financial aid to  care for its 13 occupants, most of whom are weak, sick and suffering from mental disorders.

    Most of the patients, aged between 46 and 77 years, are  Johor.

  The centre, which is located at a single-storey terrace corner lot house at 11, Jalan Panti 7, Taman Johor, Johor Baru,  has existed since March last year. It is under the supervision of Mohd Hishamuddin Abdullah, who is assisted by eight volunteers including a cook/driver/cleaner.

  "We set up the home out of pity for old folks who were abandoned by their kin", said the 44-year-old who, with other colleagues works full time at the centre.

  Hishamuddin said his colleagues were fortunate to be able to rent two one-tonne lorries at a reasonable rate from a kind-hearted person.

  "Every week we travel to neighbourhoods to collect items like clothings, old newspapers, books, magazines, plastic and canned items, unused electrical items and old furniture. These items are then sold for cash to recycle companies," he said.

  Hishamuddin said the centre receives cash donations from individuals and private organisations. To add more income, their lorries also provide house-moving and other delivery services on certain days.

  "One of the residents is a 46-year-old who suffered high fever during his teens and was left unattended by his family after being admitted to hospital last year," said Hisahmuddin, adding that all the occupants were subject to approval  by the state welfare department before being admitted into the home.

  Koh Kin Cheong, 54, who works at the centre, said the occupants are fed five times daily.

  "Except for 77-year-old Sim Chung Leong, who requires full attention, the other occupants are able to stand on their own feet," he added.

  "Everyone is happy staying at the centre. The environment here is quite conducive and the neighbours are very concerned about their welfare."

  In addition to those tasks, Koh also cooks and drives the folks for their monthly check-ups at government hospitals and polyclinics.

  Koh is assisted by 65-year-old Lim Shee Tau. Both Koh and Lim stay in the home.

  Koh added that visitors have come to the centre to inquire about the well being of the occupants. They also brought gifts and goodies for the occupants.

  The management also plans to organise a Chinese New Year gathering next year if the funds permit.

  The only female occupant is Jenny, a 68-year-old mentally-challenged patient.

  Currently, Hishamuddin welcomes donors and charitable organisations who wish to present cash, clothing, food or recycled items to help alleviate the home's maintenance charges.

 For details, call Hishamuddin at 016-737 9378 or the centre's phone at 07-237 9378.