The Progressive Labour Party has a record to be proud of when it comes to seniors, says Age Concern board chairman Paget Wharton.

Achievements include an $1,100 prescription drug benefit, ending land tax, passport renewal fees and vehicle licensing fees for seniors, establishing an elder care abuse registry and ending a longstanding policy of discrimination against Bermuda's black war veterans.

Physical plant has also improved in the last ten years with the state-of-the-art Sylvia Richardson care facility and the Rockaway seniors facility for more than 100 seniors.

Mr. Wharton said: "I think they did a lot. They have done a good job in at least addressing the issues that affect seniors – I would have to give them a pass for that.

"But the big efforts remain to be cracked, but they are aware.

"There is a lot more to be done in the core areas of daycare, home care and long-term care. That is the area I am particularly focused on – we want those enhanced and it will take time."

Mr. Wharton hopes help is offered to make homes safer for seniors so they can stay independent for longer. "Ialso believe Future Care will take care of a lot of these issues."

And he said plans such as Future Care, a plan to extend health coverage to the over 65s trumpeted before the election, would also be vital with the ageing population forecast to increase to 14,000 to 15,000 by 2030.

"How well we deal with that is still on the drawing table."

Mr. Wharton said Future Care was a large programme which might have to be phased in.

The Sylvia Richardson Care elder care home was welcomed by Mr. Wharton who hoped more would follow. It caters for everyone from self-sufficient seniors through to those suffering with Alzheimer's.

"It is a first class facility."