GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO ENSURING SENIORS AGE WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECT

Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 02, 2024 (SKNIS): The government’s commitment to ensure that seniors age with dignity and respect was reiterated by the Honourable Isalean Phillip, Minister of State responsible for Ageing, during her remarks to commemorate International Day of Older Persons on October 01, 2024.

The minister’s remarks were made on Tuesday, during a special church service at the Lighthouse Baptist Church in Sandy Point. The service was the first in a series of local events to mark the global observance.

Minister Phillip highlighted the international theme “Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide,” emphasising its alignment with the administration’s key objectives of fostering stronger and safer care communities.

“Ageing affects all of us. It is an inevitable experience that may result in cognitive and physical changes as we grow older. People who were once heads of households, independent and strong-willed are now in positions where they require assistance from loved ones,” she remarked. “It is our responsibility not to view this as a burden but as a civic responsibility that we derive pride and joy as we do our best to provide our seniors with comfort, honour and dignity as they live through the golden years into 70 and above.”

The government has increased services to seniors by increasing the number of home care officers and expanding the Seniors Enrichment Programme to include more engagement, headlined by the popular Seniors’ Day Programme. This initiative is implemented in six communities and engages older persons in fun and entertainment activities such as kite-making, greeting card design, painting, and arts and crafts. Fun activities include kite flying, movie matinee, sports day and a Seniors’ Prom. Private companies and individuals have also established and increased services for seniors in several areas including transportation services, assistive devices, targeted spa treatments, and home care.

“The government believes that ageing with dignity includes seniors having the option to remain in their home among loving family, for as long as possible, with the appropriate care and services being available to them,” said Minister of State Phillip. “As a government, we are committed to encouraging the growth of these businesses. Through the Ministry of Ageing and Disabilities, we take on the responsibility of regulating and monitoring the growing delivery of services in this area to ensure that service providers offer care according to best practices, at a fair and reasonable cost in accessible ways.”

The government is working to create regulations and care standards for care homes and home care services through policy development and legislation.

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