Aged care homes upgrade
GOVERNMENT’S long-term plans to cater for the increasing number of aged citizens have begun with upgrades to aged care homes in Labasa.
Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Minister Mereseini Vuniwaqa said Labasa was the pilot project for the extension and upgrading of aged care facilities.
“In relation to homes around the country, Government gives a budget every year for the upkeep of the three homes,” she said.
“But now, in looking at the population age, what we are doing are preparing ourselves for the future when there will be more aged citizens in two decades’ time.
“Right now, we have a very young population so we should expect more senior citizens in the future.”
Mrs Vuniwaqa said the number of residents in senior citizens’ homes around the country continued to increase.
She added that the trend was worrying as it showed the need for a continued commitment towards caring for the elderly.
“So for the Labasa home, the new extension is expected to be completed within the next 16 months.
“It will include new rooms for other residents and an upgraded building for our residents. We would also be upgrading old aged care homes to provide a comfortable surrounding for our senior citizens.”