Old-aged care challenges

I THANK the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation senior welfare officer Neelum Kumar for highlighting the challenges at the old-aged homes. I also thank the staff members of these old-aged homes for looking after the welfare of the elderly left in their care.

I am disappointed that people leave their loved ones at the senior citizens’ home at the mercy of others and turn a blind eye to the needs of our elderly. Those who leave their loved ones at the senior citizens home must realise that one day they too will grow old and the tide could swing against them and they could also find themselves in a similar place.

On the other hand, it’s high time that our senior citizens homes are furnished with psychiatrics to assist in looking after those patients who are mentally-challenged. Finally, it gave me relief that the staff members are passionate about what they do in caring for old-aged people.

Therefore, more awareness is needed on the importance of loving and caring for the elderly for it is their hard work and dedication that has seen Fiji progress and make strides!

RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM

Nadawa, Nasinu