The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is offering funding and other support for the establishment of mobile care units to provide services directly to elderly persons in their communities.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud announced the initiative during an open day at Enmore, East Coast Demerara, on Thursday.
“People who want to set up a mobile unit to go and see the elders, we also offer that funding and support to it,” Persaud was quoted as saying by the Department of Public Information (DPI).
The proposed units are expected to complement several other initiatives for senior citizens, including a new elderly-care home, community-based facilities and proposed Golden Generation Hubs.
Under the National Care Economy Initiative, the government has allocated $1.2 billion to encourage the establishment of care facilities for senior citizens and children. Individuals and organisations with suitable enclosed spaces will be eligible for grants to upgrade and furnish the facilities, while training will also be provided.
According to DPI, the programme is expected to create employment opportunities for persons interested in providing community care while making it easier for families to secure assistance for elderly relatives.
Persaud also said the government wanted to ensure that the public healthcare system adequately addressed the needs of the ageing population.
“We want to make sure the health public system is also here for ageing and elderly so that the elderly don’t have to come out of pocket,” she said.
The ministry is also providing wheelchairs, walkers, hearing aids and other assistive devices to senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
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