MOSP to launch a guideline for standard care of the elderly – hosts meeting to garner input from key stakeholders
DPI, GUYANA, Tuesday, May 15, 2018
In an effort to place more focus on maintenance of standards in elderly care homes, the Ministry of Social Protection and a team of stakeholders are drafting a guide to improve the quality of care provided to senior citizens.
It is part of the government’s efforts to ensure those living in residential homes are provided with well-rounded minimal healthcare which includes an exercise regimen, cost-effective diets and standard social care.
During a consultative meeting on the elderly-care booklet, at Regency Hotel today, Deputy Director of Social Services, Abike Samuels explained the document will serve as a guide for caregivers. She said, “Over the years, we would have recognised that elderly-care facilities have been operating unregulated in the absence of guidelines. In many instances, this has resulted in our seniors being housed in derelict structures, subjected to abuse by caregivers, fed meals that are not nutritious and deprived of or denied access to medical care.”
Samuels stressed that the guide’s implementation will require cooperation, commitment and a consorted effort by stakeholders. The guide which is a collaboration between the Ministries of Social Protection, Public Health, PAHO/WHO and other government and non-governmental stakeholders is expected to be completed by year-end.
Last year, the ministry launched the elderly visiting committee to conduct a holistic review of elderly residential facilities and to provide critical, and relevant, feedback on compliance and challenges.
By Neola Damon
Images courtesy of Leon Lyttle