Many seniors acknowledge the need for handrails in their bathrooms or toilets but often find the process troublesome or are unsure of how to get it done. Recognizing this, volunteers in Melaka, Malaysia, have taken the initiative to install handrails, bringing safety and peace of mind directly into homes. This effort addresses the risks of falls, a common concern for older adults that impacts their quality of life and increases caregiver burden.

Enhancing Home Safety in Melaka

Falls are a leading cause of injury among the elderly, often signaling new health issues. As people age, accident risk increases, sometimes leading to fear of movement, loss of confidence, and declining physical and social abilities. This can result in muscle atrophy, reduced self-care, and diminished quality of life, placing greater strain on families and society.

The home environment is a significant factor in falls. Bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms are common accident sites. Simple modifications like non-slip mats, handrails in toilets and hallways, bright lighting, and removing clutter can substantially reduce these risks.

For years, Tzu Chi volunteers have cared for low-income families and individuals with disabilities. They observed that many seniors, including volunteers, were aging. Some live alone or with only a spouse; a fall can leave them isolated and without immediate help, exacerbating caregiving challenges.

To address this, Tzu Chi Melaka launched the "An-Mei Elderly Care Initiative" in 2023, inspired by Tzu Chi’s work in Taiwan. This program offers free handrail installation and reconditioned assistive devices, improving home safety for elderly individuals living alone, people with disabilities, and vulnerable families. Volunteers identify those in need during community visits, assisting them with applications. This initiative is a gesture of thoughtful care, enabling seniors to live securely and fostering community support.

A Helping Hand for Neighbors

On August 20 and 22, 2025, volunteers arranged for Wu Shi-Ming (吳使洺), a retired iron gate installer, to visit four homes to install handrails. Several of these homes belonged to his neighbors, prompting him to offer his services at a reduced rate, driven by a desire to contribute to the safety of his community.

At noon, Yu Hong-Bao (余鴻保), busy at the Tzu Chi recycling station in Asia Garden, rushed home on his electric scooter after hearing that handrails were being installed at his house. As Wu Shi-Ming measured and drilled, community volunteer Lai Quee-Lan (賴桂蘭) leaned close to Yu Hong-Bao, repeatedly asking loudly, "Grandpa, where are you coming back from?" He looked at her, his lips moving as if in thought or guessing, before finally smiling and replying, "I've eaten..." Seeing the volunteers' suppressed smiles, he sheepishly explained, "My hearing aid isn't very good; I can't hear well..." He then joined in the laughter, creating a lighthearted moment that often characterizes volunteer visits.

Seventy-six-year-old Yu Hong-Bao, who lives alone, has severe hearing loss and a visibly tilted posture. He suffered four car accidents, severely injuring his ribs, which now prevent him from standing upright. His left arm is also significantly weakened. Since 2021, he has received monthly living assistance from Tzu Chi. Encouraged by volunteers, he started gardening, which keeps him active, provides food, and allows him to sell surplus produce.

From initially lamenting, "I'm old, I don't know what to do at home," Yu Hong-Bao has found joy in gardening. He often shares his produce with recycling station volunteers. He also insists on spending half a day each week at the nearby Asia Garden Tzu Chi recycling station, driven by the simple belief that "if I still have the ability to help others, I should do my best." Volunteer Ng Ai-Choon (黃愛媋), worried about his unsteady gait, immediately applied for handrails in his bathroom and toilet. After installation, Yu Hong-Bao tried them, saying, "Tzu Chi's work is excellent. With the handrails to hold onto, I can prevent falls." His affirmation brought smiles to the volunteers.

Renewed Independence and Support

Cai Xue-Li (蔡雪莉), 67, lives with her husband. Last year, she underwent hip dislocation surgery. This year, seeking physical therapy at a Tzu Chi free clinic, therapists discovered her pelvis was tilted, causing an unbalanced gait. A follow-up revealed her old hip injury had shifted again.

During a home visit, volunteers observed her using a four-legged walker while still working as a nanny. She shared that when using the toilet, she had to grip the sink to stand up, once almost dislodging it. "I wanted to install handrails, but my husband couldn't help, and I didn't know where to apply," she said. Now, with the volunteers' help, a small handrail has become her secure support. "With the handrail, I can lean on it with peace of mind, no longer worrying about having nothing to hold onto when standing up," she said with a smile.

At another home, Wu Shi-Ming unexpectedly reunited with his old friend Chen Jin-Fa (陳進發), 68, who was suffering from colon cancer and needed an ostomy bag. His younger brother, Chen Jin-Ming (陳進明), who lives with him, sustained nerve damage in a car accident years ago, resulting in partial paralysis and reliance on a cane. Community volunteers recently began providing monthly ostomy bags and living expenses. During the installation, Chen Jin-Fa mentioned doing similar work in his youth. Wu Shi-Ming invited him to help, and Chen Jin-Fa assisted by steadying the handrail. Chen Jin-Ming, worried about slipping, happily said, "I no longer have to worry about slipping when I shower." The brothers' deep bond was evident, with Chen Jin-Fa prioritizing his brother's needs.

"Wow! This is incredible, I'm so satisfied, so satisfied! Thank you, thank you, boundless merits..." Tan Tian-Chi (譚天池) repeatedly expressed his gratitude to volunteer Tan Bee Yan (陳美燕) and Wu Shi-Ming, both his neighbors. Tan Tian-Chi, in his sixties, is a polio survivor who relies on a cane. He lives with his elderly aunt and had a car accident years ago, increasing safety concerns. Chen Mei-Yan, living next door, often helps the aunt. Hearing about Tan Tian-Chi's slow movement and need to hold walls, she applied for handrails in his toilet and bathroom. Wu Shi-Ming was happy to help his old friend, saying, "I thought, since I have the ability, I should help as much as I can." Tan Tian-Chi initially hesitated, feeling it highlighted his disability, but realizing his single leg was weakening, he accepted. He was relieved that the installer was his neighbor. Once installed, he praised them repeatedly, his satisfaction evident. This project not only provided physical support but also strengthened neighborhood bonds.

Tzu Chi Melaka's "An-Mei Elderly Care Initiative" continues to leverage community volunteers to install handrails. Volunteer Koh Geok Ping (許玉萍) shared that after attending a retreat in Taiwan, she realized the importance of the initiative, benefiting not only low-income families and individuals with disabilities but also aging volunteers. Providing basic handrail support allows them to maintain safety at home, ensuring each day is lived with peace and security. This, she believes, is truly meaningful.

Written by Low Siew Lian (羅秀蓮)

Translated by Mindy Chen (陳敏理)

Source: 居家添扶手 長者安心不跌倒