Seniors strategy needs collective action, MPs hear
A National Seniors Strategy designed to address challenges faced by the island’s older people was launched in the House of Assembly on Friday.
Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, said the plan will also shape collaborative efforts to boost the health, wellbeing and life quality of seniors and future generations.
She highlighted that the 2020 Throne Speech promised a seniors strategy with an emphasis on dementia care and told MPs that a draft version was created at the conclusion of an “extensive consultation process” before further feedback was invited.
Ms Furbert said a project manager will be hired to oversee the implementation and co-ordination required to achieve the plan’s aims.
She added: “We are committed to making continuous progress towards the goals set forth in the National Seniors Strategy over the six years 2024 to 2030.”
Four pillars make up the foundation of the plan: healthy ageing, empowered citizens, age-friendly environments and community.
Ms Furbert said: “Healthy ageing depends on access to affordable, person-centred long-term care services that assist individuals with daily activities over an extended period.
“To ensure sustainable and effective progress in this sector, a thorough evaluation of health, social and long-term care system funding is essential.
“Additionally, caregiving plays a vital role in the current health and long-term care framework, making it imperative to prioritise and support caregiver wellbeing.
“This integrated perspective acknowledges that healthy ageing is not just about the individuals receiving care but also about ensuring the sustainability of the systems and the wellbeing of those providing care.”
She said that the empowered citizens pillar “champions the right for seniors to actively participate in, contribute to and benefit from” economic, social, cultural and political activities.
The minister added: “Protecting the rights of our seniors fosters dignity, wellbeing and inclusion, which together build a society of empowered individuals — citizens who confidently exercise their right to self-determination, make decisions about their lives and access the support needed to live independently for as long as possible.”
MPs heard that age-friendly environments highlighted the enhancement of spaces that prioritise accessibility, safety and inclusivity to meet the needs of people at all ages.
Ms Furbert said: “Accessible and dependable transportation options must be made available to ensure our seniors can easily reach the places they need to go.
“In addition, housing options should be both affordable and diverse to accommodate the various needs of our ageing population.
“Whether the desire is to age at home, live with family or choose living spaces designed for seniors, housing options must evolve to meet the needs of our residents.”
Referencing the fourth pillar, she added: “When our community is connected, we are better able to address common challenges that limit our ability to age well and support and protect our most vulnerable.”
Ms Furbert said: “The Bermuda National Seniors Strategy 2024-2030 is a comprehensive framework that requires extensive collaboration across ministries, sectors and stakeholders.
“Its successful implementation depends on co-ordinated efforts between various government ministries, departments, non-profit organisations, healthcare providers and community partners.”
She told the House: “We listened to our seniors during the consultation process. Many shared their personal stories and emphasised the need for greater access to dementia care services.
“Thus, the ministry, with the technical support from the Bermuda Health Council, is taking a strategic approach to provide a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment of current dementia care practices on the island to develop an Integrated Care Pathway for Dementia.”
The minister said that the result would be recommendations for the improvement of dementia care in Bermuda in line with international best practices.
Ms Furbert said the seniors strategy would be available on the government website and hard copies can be collected from the Office of Ageing and Disability Services or the ministry headquarters.
• To see the minister’s statement in full, see Related Media
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