LED by the Elderly Affairs Unit, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs has embarked on a series of visits to homes for the elderly across Saint Lucia, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing the quality of care for the nation’s ageing population. This initiative highlights the Ministry’s dedication to fostering collaboration with caregivers and administrators while identifying key areas for support and improvement.
“The Ministry recognises the vital role that elderly care facilities play in safeguarding the well-being of our senior citizens. This nationwide visit is not just about observation but also about engagement, collaboration, and action. These visits allow us to strengthen our commitment to assess challenges firsthand and identify ways to enhance resources, support services, and policy frameworks that promote dignity, comfort, and active ageing for our senior citizens,” explained Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Wellness and Elderly Affair, Jenny Daniel.
Programme Development Officer in the Elderly Affairs Unit, Andrea Alcide, highlighted the primary objective of these visits, emphasizing their role in assessing the operational needs of elderly care facilities. “It’s an introductory visit where we are actually visiting all of the homes in Saint Lucia to get a feel of the operations, what’s needed, and how we as a unit within the Ministry of Health can help maintain the health aspect of our older persons, so they can continue their lives more comfortably and healthily.”
The initiative holds special significance as Saint Lucia faces a growing elderly population, necessitating robust support systems to ensure their well-being.
Director of the Elderly Affairs Unit, Robert Huggins, underscored the importance of these visits in understanding the challenges faced by elderly care homes and promoting active ageing. “The unit was established to address health concerns for older persons and define what healthy and active ageing means. By engaging directly with administrators and caregivers, we can assess the needs on the ground and introduce initiatives such as mental and physical stimulation programs that encourage healthy ageing,” Huggins noted.
The Ministry’s outreach has also been met with strong support from facility administrators. Sister Elma Gustave, Administrator of the Villa St. Joseph Home for the Elderly in Dennery, stressed the need for greater awareness and compassion toward older persons. “Most of us will get there one day. The elderly have worked hard and contributed to Saint Lucia’s development, and we must ensure that they receive the same level of care and attention as children. Society must cultivate more patience, kindness, and respect for our elderly, not just in care homes but throughout our communities,” urged sister Gustave.
This initiative marks a renewed effort by the Ministry of Health to strengthen institutional care, enhance elderly welfare, and promote a culture of active and healthy ageing in Saint Lucia.