Aging population in Dominica must be addressed – PAHO specialist

There have been strong calls for steps to be taken to deal with the aging population in Dominica.

That call has been echoed by Country Program Specialist for Dominica and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Shirley Augustine.

She was addressing the official opening of a seminar on aging recently.

Augustine said an aging population raises many important long-term policy issues such as medical care versus supply.

“Do we have enough medical personnel to look after the needs of our aging population? We need to look at alternatives to institutionalization,” she said,

The health system in Dominica has not evolved to match the aging population.

“In Dominica we have an aging population but our health system has not changed one single bit to correspond with this demographic change. Our health system is still very maternal and child-health oriented. We have very few nursing homes; we have abandonment and issues of poverty. All of those things need to be considered. We are happy that our older persons are aging and living longer but we need to look at the support systems we have in place for them,” she explained.

Meantime she says in finding a long term strategy to meet the needs of the growing number of the elderly, consideration must be given to the relationship between governments capacity to assume responsibility for the elderly.

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16 Comments

  1. Palrep
    November 30, 2011

    Respect for elderly?
    You know the amount of loud music some people play everyday with the support of police, despite complains from and to the detriment of their elderly neighbors?
    Think again. It has become madness to be elderly in Dominica because of that.

  2. jr
    November 29, 2011

    Its about time.

  3. wazzup
    November 29, 2011

    The big crisis in Dominica is that many of its educated population getting greencard and going states and not coming back! In ten years this country is going to feel the effects of the absence of educated people on the island.

  4. Gaza
    November 29, 2011

    Breed we haffi breed to full the place

  5. hmm
    November 29, 2011

    The medical system in Dominica has barely evolved at ALL!

  6. Abu Sulayman
    November 29, 2011

    It is the Children’s responsibility to take care of their aging parents, not the state.

  7. lilmissken
    November 29, 2011

    I never thought to see the day when someone actually made a point about our elderly living in my place of birth Dominica. I think the Government need to do something about that. My question is, what happens to the elderlies, who cannot take care of themselves? No one should go un-noticed! Create more nursing home and lore jobs, so that our elders can have someone too care for them.

  8. Justice and Truth
    November 28, 2011

    My heart goes out to the aged who are in need of such help and who do not receive it.
    As we age, if we do not die suddenly, the day will come when each one of us will be in need of medical care. Fortunate for those who have caring family members who will assist them. Every one will not be so fortunate. In addition, it will be a great help that a home for the aged who are especially ill be constructed, well equipped and with concerned health care workers.
    The government must address this issue, not merely talking and ensure that the aged population who are especially in need of medical and other care are well taken care of.
    This means to also build a home or homes in various parts of the island where necessary and possible to assist them.
    Too often the aged who are in need of general assistance are ignored and not assisted at this delicate state in their life.
    I am warning all governments concerned; not only in DA to ensure that their aging population is well taken care of. This is another priority.
    I urge those W.I. governments to look to other countries as Canada which provide such housing and help for their aged nationals, even in their own homes. Much could be gleaned and learned from them.
    As God looks on and is taking note, He will bless and reward those who do.

  9. Pedro
    November 28, 2011

    Unless we provide employment opportunities for the Youth in order that they remain in the country, the elderly will be left alone. The answer is expand the economy and allow the youth to make money and take care of their parents as they always did in the past.

  10. gee
    November 28, 2011

    Step one, FREE hospital medical for over 60’s
    Step two, yes you care pro. etc etc etc.

    • ?
      November 28, 2011

      YES WE CAN FOR ONLY LABOUR SUPPORTERS… RUBBISH

  11. hahha
    November 28, 2011

    yes we do, cause we building a state palace instead of a state of the art hospital….
    anyway God bless dominica, we been blessed…..

    • Justice and Truth
      November 28, 2011

      @ hahha

      Your comments are beyond the point and out of the point. Stick to the issue.

      • liz
        November 29, 2011

        This is the issue my brother. We need a state of the art hospital to care for these people. Stop being naive

  12. dom dom
    November 28, 2011

    it was about time this issue came to light. too many of our elderly are being neglected and not taken proper care of. Also working families sometimes cannot take care of the elderly because of many situation including financial problems. the YES WE CARE programme is one thing. but there needs to be more government funded Nursing homes (NOT) infirmary as it is called now, so that it would be more affordable for dominican families wishing to put their loved ones in home to do so. this is the 21st century and this is a serious matter that needs to be on top of the list

    • ?
      November 28, 2011

      2015 they will give them a little money to vote,,that is all they care about the elderly,,

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