Senator the Honourable Donna Cox, Minister of Social Development and Family Services said the Ministry continues to address the needs of senior citizens and challenged Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to work together with the Government in addressing the diverse needs of our seniors. Minister Cox was speaking at the launch of the Vialva Legacy Foundation, yesterday, Sunday April 13, 2025 at the Radisson Hotel, Port of Spain. The Vialva Legacy Foundation is a centre which offers day care services to senior citizens.
Minister Cox stated that the Ministry has been focussed on implementing various initiatives to enhance the quality of life of older persons through the Division of Ageing, such as the National Policy on Ageing which addresses key areas of concern such as social security, healthcare, housing and elder abuse prevention. The Community Care Programme is another notable initiative which facilitates the placement of vulnerable seniors into homes that provide suitable care and support.
She stated, “This initiative ensures that senior citizens who are deinstitutionalised from public health institutions receive the care they need in a community setting.” There are currently fourteen Care Homes across the country benefitting a total of eighty-seven (87) clients.
As the Ministry responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Government’s social and human development objectives, it is the Ministry’s aim to ensure that the late years of life of senior citizens are spent in good health, and a supportive environment.
Speaking to the issue of elder abuse, which has become a disturbing trend with 216 cases reported in 2023, Minister Cos says the Ministry takes this issue very seriously. She stated that, “Protecting our seniors from abuse, whether it is financial, emotional, verbal, sexual or physical, continues to be a critical aspect of their care, and one which the Ministry takes very seriously.”
Minister Cox lamented that it is important for the correct information on the work that the Government is doing for this segment of our population to be shared with the public. She elaborated on such initiatives as the provision of affordable healthcare through CDAP, free and subsidised travel on public transportation networks, and the provision of the Senior Citizens Pension. Other services provided include the recognition of persons 100 years and older through the National Centenarian Porgramme and access to Senior Activity Centres for activities that encourage socialisation.
Minister Cox lauded the involvement of Non-Governmental Organisations, such as the Vialva Legacy Foundation, in the success of these initiatives, as collaboration leverages the strengths of NGOs and the Government to provide holistic, sustainable care for the elderly. She stated that the Government continues to provide financial assistance to NGOs through various subventions and grants to enable them to deliver by way of their specialised expertise, ensuring there is maximum impact while avoiding the duplication of efforts.