A mothers love and sacrifice in raising her children are unparalleled, a debt that no amount of gratitude can fully repay. Yet, 36-year-old Alif Rosehaizad is showing the world that caring for his mother, Che, 68, is the least he can do for the woman who dedicated her life to him and his siblings.
Alifs story, shared through his TikTok account, @alifr0z, has touched the hearts of netizens, inspiring many with his devotion and sacrifice. Two years ago, Che was diagnosed with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE), a severe brain injury caused by oxygen deprivation, which left her completely paralysed.
In June 2022, Alif made a life-changing decision. He left his comfortable job in the private sector to dedicate himself fully to his mothers care. Speaking to Bernama at their home in Bandar Seri Putra, Alif shared how his journey began and the challenges he continues to face.
As the third of six siblings, Alif initially worked alongside his family to ensure their mother received proper care. They hired private nurses during the day, as his elder brothers had jobs and his younger siblings were still in school. However, the demanding nature of caring for a completely paralysed individual took its toll, and over the course of a year, they had to replace four nurses.
"Caring for someone who is bedridden requires incredible patience. Everything has to be done for her feeding, bathing, cleaning. Its mentally and physically exhausting," Alif said.
Despite the challenges, Alif noticed a significant improvement in his mothers condition when he personally cared for her. "When I cared for her myself, she looked healthier and more radiant. It gave me the strength to continue," he added.
Every day, Alif follows a rigorous routine to ensure his mothers well-being. From feeding her every three hours to administering medication, changing diapers, bathing her, and cleaning the house, his schedule revolves entirely around her needs.
One of the most challenging aspects of his caregiving duties was learning how to care for a bedridden patient. Alif relied on YouTube tutorials, observations of professional nurses, and advice from others to develop the skills required to handle tasks such as adjusting his mothers position to prevent bedsores and cleaning her tracheostomy tube.
"Initially, I felt awkward because I had no experience. But with time and practice, I became more confident," he shared.
Alif's father, Rosehaizad Abd Wahab, and his siblings play crucial roles in supporting his efforts. His elder brothers and younger siblings step in on weekends, allowing Alif some time to rest and recharge.
Though the journey has been far from easy, Alif finds joy and fulfillment in repaying the woman who gave him life. "When I first quit my job, I thought it would be a short-term arrangement, maybe three to six months. But its been over two years now, and I'm determined to continue for as long as I can," he said.
Alif also engages in part-time work from home, including writing, to sustain himself financially. Through his TikTok account, he shares caregiving tips and insights, hoping to inspire and educate others who may find themselves in similar situations.
Source: TheStar