Senior citizens will soon be able to take advantage of free dental care.

This was disclosed by new Health Minister Nelson Bascome as he revealed that a new multi-care facility for seniors will open in St. George's by the end of the year.

Mr. Bascome said the improved dental care is part of Government's overall plan to provide affordable health care to Bermuda's senior citizens.

"We recognise that senior citizens face many challenges. Some are financially strapped and cannot afford medical care. The improved dental hygiene service is just the first step in providing affordable medical care to seniors."

Mr. Bascome said the St. George's Rest Home had been renovated and would now offer a wide range of services for the elderly.

"The St. George's rest home was closed several years ago and in its place we have built a multi-care facility which will offer different levels of care. You will have dementia care, Alzheimer's care and respite care."

The Minister said the rest home would accommodate up to 43 residents. "I am confident that our senior citizens and the general public will be proud of this facility," he said.

Mr. Bascome also defended Government plans to establish an Elder Abuse Register, which would name persons who have a record of abusing seniors.

"Seniors are abused and sometimes you have people who abuse seniors in one facility and move to another facility where they continue to abuse citizens. This Government will not tolerate this and that is why the Register will be put in place."

When speaking of the initiatives he intends to put in place, Mr. Bascome spoke of a National Health Plan, which would address issues of obesity and healthy living.

"Obesity is on the rise in Bermuda and this is party because we do not get those home cooked meals anymore.

"A number of our families have become microwave families. Basically the convenience of modern times is now starting to take its toll on our health.

"The life expectancy in Bermuda averages pretty much around the global average, but there are certain groups that fall into high risk categories where we need to monitor their health. Especially in Bermuda where we have high rates of diabetes and high blood pressure.

"We also have to decrease some of the stress levels because we live in an economy that is very demanding."

Mr. Bascome also plans to tackle the problem of rising healthcare costs.

"We want to establish and create relationships with the insurance companies, with those doctors and with service providers right down to the pharmacies to ensure that we have correct costs in place for medical services.

In terms of the overall picture of healthcare costs being reduced, the main part is making sure that all of those persons with a vested interest recognise that there are certain charges that have to be standardised. These are some of the things we are working on."