A one-stop shop to help the elderly is on the cards, Health and Family Services Minister Wayne Furbert announced yesterday.

Mr. Furbert said existing services for seniors will come under one roof for ease of access.

He added: "All Government services which seniors presently use will be co-ordinated from one place, with one central staff.

"The centre will provide maximum convenience for seniors who require more than one service and quicker access to multiple services and programmes.'' And Mr. Furbert said that a new pressure group -- run under the banner of Age Concern -- will also be set up to ensure the elderly get a fair deal.

He added: "It will be about making it as easy as possible for our seniors to get the help they need from a place which is specifically created for them.'' He said: "To help meet this aim, the centre will also provide office and meeting space for Age Concern, which many are aware is the community-based organisation whose mandate is to focus on the needs of seniors in our communities.'' Mr. Furbert said around four staff -- with backup from the elderly themselves, who could work as receptionists -- will be transferred from existing posts located throughout other Government departments and the King Edward Hospital.

Around $48,000 a year has been earmarked for office space for the Senior Citizens' Support Centre. Two possible locations are already being looked at by the Works and Engineering Ministry.

One is in the existing Community and Cultural Affairs Ministry off Court Street and office space on Victoria Street.

But Mr. Furbert appealed for anyone with accommodation which could be suitable for the new centre to come forward.

Mr. Furbert said: "Our aim is to put the centre as close to the bus station as possible and to ensure it is fully accessible to those with physical limitations.'' He added: "It's worth the price we're paying because it means our seniors won't be walking around all over Bermuda looking for assistance.'' The centre will provide advice on financial and housing assistance, residential home assessments, home helps, personal counselling for seniors and their families and health education.

Mr. Furbert said that many elderly people were reluctant to seek help from Government agencies because of a perceived stigma.

He added: "A lot of seniors are not really aware of what they can get, even though we publicise it.

"A lot of senior citizens have a lot of pride -- it's hard for them to walk up to Financial Assistance and ask for help.

"But this will give them a comfort zone, hopefully with a nice waiting lounge -- they will go in there and find their own.'' Mr. Furbert said that the new centre was also fulfilling Government's mandate to "plan for the future.'' He added: "Our research clearly shows that our senior population is growing at a fast rate.

"This means we must plan in a focussed and co-ordinated way for the facilities needed to meet the future requirements of a growing segment of our society.'' Mr. Furbert denied that the new plan was United Bermuda Party electioneering.

He said he had hoped to announce the new plan in August, but planning and finding a suitable location took time.

And he added earlier changes to Government policy had also targeted the elderly.

Mr. Furbert said the level at which the elderly could qualify for special Government help had been set at those with $1000 or less in savings.

But he added: "In August, I increased that to $15,000 hence more can be helped.'' GOVERNMENT GVT