The crisis in aged care has escalated to what is being termed a national “pandemic,” akin to the ongoing issues of violence against women and drug abuse. This situation was brought to light by Mohammed Khan, chairman of the Pearce Home trust, during a recent Institutional Forum Meeting (IFM) for Aged Care Homes.
At the meeting held last week, representatives from various aged care service providers strongly emphasized the need for increased financial support from the Government. Khan pointed out that two facilities, The Home of Compassion in Tamavua and Father Law Home in Lami, are facing severe financial difficulties and are on the brink of closure. Additionally, the Golden Age Home in Lautoka is struggling due to termite damage, with no immediate plans for relocating its residents.
Khan urged the forum to advocate more robustly to the Ministry of Finance for enhanced funding for aged care services. He also encouraged aged care providers to improve their financial management and present a comprehensive budget to the ministry.
Despite government appeals for civil society organizations and faith-based groups to assist with issues like drug prevention, violence against women, and elder care, Khan noted that there has been minimal financial support from the Ministry of Finance for these initiatives.
Mue Fisher, a board member of Father Law Home, mentioned that the home has sought urgent financial aid from the public. She stressed that the rising cost of living in Fiji has created significant cash flow challenges, impacting everything from staff wages to necessary structural repairs. The home is also grappling with escalating operational costs, including food, utilities, and transportation for residents needing external health services.
Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, stated that last financial year, the ministry provided Father Law Home with a $30,000 grant to support its operational needs. For the current financial year, Father Law Home has submitted a request for additional funding, which is pending the submission of their audit report—a standard procedure to ensure accountability in public spending.
Tabuya assured that upon receiving the audit report, the ministry would consider another grant of $30,000. She acknowledged the importance of care for the elderly and recognized the efforts of agencies providing this support. However, she reiterated the commitment to due process in grant funding.
Additionally, she mentioned that Father Law Home could seek support from other donor agencies and the private sector to help cover its operational costs.
Questions regarding this matter have been directed to Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad, who is currently attending the 2024 International Monetary Fund (IMF) World Bank Annual Meeting in the United States. Prasad has indicated he will respond to the issues raised upon his return.
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