Introduction/ Rationale: By 2030, approximately 15% of Malaysia’s population will be over 60 years old (Department of Statistics Malaysia, 2024), yet limited and underdeveloped healthcare infrastructure continues to restrict elderly access to essential services. In response, Malaysia’s Health White Paper advocates for a transition towards primary and community healthcare services by integrating Preventive, Curative, and Rehabilitative (PCR) care with a focus on Accessibility, Mobility, and Affordability (AMA).
Objective: This study aims to develop actionable strategies to enhance primary healthcare services for the elderly, emphasizing PCR care while addressing AMA challenges.
Method/ Aprroach: A desktop review and SWOT-TOWS analysis was conducted to evaluate the national policies, international models, and best practices, further supported by a multidisciplinary panel session comprising senior managers from the Ministry of Health.
Results/ Practice Implications: Findings indicate a shortage of allied health professionals, hospital overcrowding, and high dependency on curative care, exacerbating the burden on Malaysia’s healthcare system. To address these challenges, ageing-in-place initiatives are recommended to support functional recovery and active ageing through structured programs and social engagement, including MYHOeME (My Occupational Engagement Home Program), GeKo (Community Geriatric Program), PAWE (Elderly Activity Centers), and CST (Cognitive Stimulation Therapy). Further strategies include reducing financial barriers through low-cost digital tools, healthcare subsidies, and mobile health units, alongside multi-sector collaboration with private entities and NGOs to enhance the affordability of preventive and curative care.
Conclusion/ Contribution to the occupational therapy profession: Ageing-in-place initiatives ensure comprehensive support for elderly populations across rural and urban settings while leveraging technological advancements and cross-sector partnerships to transition Malaysia’s healthcare model towards a community-based healthcare model that effectively integrates AMA within PCR care.