The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is moving to support mobile care units that will take assistance and care services directly to elderly persons in their communities.
The initiative forms part of government’s broader plans to strengthen support for senior citizens through Guyana’s emerging care economy.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Vindhya Persaud, told persons attending her open day in Enmore, East Coast Demerara on Thursday that persons interested in establishing mobile units to visit elderly persons can receive funding and support from the government.
“People who want to set up a mobile unit to go and see the elders, we also offer that funding and support to it,” she said.
The minister explained that the mobile units will complement other initiatives being developed for the elderly, including a new senior citizens’ home, community-based care facilities and proposed Golden Generation Hubs.
Under the National Care Economy Initiative, the government is investing $1.2 billion to encourage the establishment of care facilities for senior citizens and children.
Individuals and organisations with suitable enclosed spaces can access grants to improve and furnish those facilities, while training will also be provided.
The initiative is also expected to create opportunities for persons interested in providing care services within their communities, while making it easier for families to access support for elderly relatives.
The minister said the various initiatives are intended to ensure that senior citizens receive greater care and support within their communities.
“We want to make sure the health public system is also here for aging and elderly so that the elderly don’t have to come out of pocket,” she noted
The ministry is also providing support to seniors and persons with disabilities through assistive devices, including wheelchairs, walkers, hearing aids and other essential items.
The planned mobile care units are therefore expected to form part of a wider community-based approach to caring for Guyana’s ageing population.