The aged care sector is facing a crisis that has been described as a national “pandemic,” akin to the ongoing issues of violence against women and girls and drug abuse. Mohammed Khan, chairman of the Pearce Home trust, made these remarks during the recent quarterly Institutional Forum Meeting (IFM) for Aged Care Homes, highlighting the financial struggles in providing care for elderly residents.
Khan emphasized the urgent need for government support, noting that two facilities, The Home of Compassion in Tamavua and the Father Law Home in Lami, are in serious financial trouble and at risk of closing. Additionally, the Golden Age Home in Lautoka is dealing with a termite infestation and currently lacks a solution for relocating its residents.
“There was a strong push at the IFM for better advocacy to the Ministry for Finance to secure more funding for aged care,” Khan said. He added that service providers must also improve their financial management and present a comprehensive budget to the ministry.
Despite government calls for assistance from civil society organizations and faith-based groups to tackle issues like drug abuse and care for the elderly, there has been little financial support from the Ministry of Finance for these initiatives.
Mue Fisher, a board member at Father Law Home, stated that the facility urgently needs public financial support. She pointed out that the rising cost of living in Fiji has also escalated their operational expenses, which include salaries for caregivers, necessary structural repairs, and everyday costs such as food and utilities.
Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, revealed that Father Law Home received a grant of $30,000 in the last financial year to aid with operational costs. For the current fiscal year, the home has submitted a partial application for further funding.
“We are waiting for their audit report, which is a standard procedure for ensuring the responsible use of public funds,” Tabuya explained. She mentioned that once the report is submitted, the ministry would be able to provide an additional grant of $30,000.
Tabuya emphasized the ministry’s commitment to supporting the elderly population and praised the efforts of agencies providing care. However, she reiterated that transparency and accountability are crucial in grant distribution.
She also suggested that Father Law Home seek additional funding from other donor agencies and the private sector to help cover operational expenses. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad has been contacted for his input on the matter, but he is currently attending the 2024 IMF World Bank Annual Meeting in the US and will respond after his return.
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