The Progressive Labour Party plans to increase pay for caregivers of senior citizens, a party representative said today.

Neville Tyrrell, who is standing for the PLP in Constituency 26 (Warwick South Central), added that payroll taxes would be eliminated for self-employed carers, should the party be victorious at the polls next week.

Mr Tyrrell, who was joined at Alaska Hall by Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, said: “These are people who dedicate their lives to helping our most vulnerable.

“We will be taking that burden off their backs and making caregiving a more sustainable career.”

Ms Furbert, the PLP candidate for Constituency 4 (St George’s South), said carers under FutureCare received $15 an hour, which the Government plans to increase to the $16.40 minimum hourly wage.

She explained: “If an election was not up, we would have had that legislation in place, but we are looking forward to progressing that.”

Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, said in September that the rate was expected to increase to between $16.81 and $17.23 this year.

The PLP also plans to reduce red tape for people caring for loved ones at home.

Mr Tyrrell explained: “Right now, if you want to build an extra unit for an ageing parent or modify your home to make caregiving easier, you’re stuck dealing with too many hurdles. That’s just not right.

“We’re going to streamline the approval system process for accessory dwelling units so that families can create the space they need without all the hassle.”

Ms Furbert highlighted how the Government had increased the number of caregivers on the island.

She said: “High school students can do dual enrolment [at the Bermuda College] in the area of caregiving.

“The Government has also provided the opportunity for personal home caregiving services separate from nursing assistant professionals, particularly a family member who is at home with a loved one and they are able to provide care.

“There is still training and certifications that they have to get to be able to provide this care, but they can also be compensated for this care.”

Ms Furbert also discussed plans to increase pensions for senior citizens — about 1,000 of whom are on financial assistance — as well as to expand benefits under FutureCare and the Health Insurance Plan.

She mentioned a plan to convert Gilbert Institute in Paget into a day care centre for seniors, announced in the House of Assembly in December.

David Burt said last month that architectural work was being done to remodel the school, which is scheduled to close in June as part of the Government’s education reforms.

Ms Furbert said: “This facility will provide affordable, high-quality care during the work week while giving our seniors a safe, engaging environment and easing the financial burden of working families.”

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