The crisis in aged care has escalated to a national concern, drawing parallels to the issues of violence against women and substance abuse. This point was emphasized by Mohammed Khan, chairman of the Pearce Home Trust, who discussed the financial difficulties faced in providing adequate care for elderly residents.
During the recent quarterly Institutional Forum Meeting (IFM) for Aged Care Homes, service providers strongly urged the government for increased financial support. Khan noted that two facilities, The Home of Compassion in Tamavua and the Father Law Home in Lami, are nearing closure due to severe financial strains. Additionally, he mentioned ongoing issues at the Golden Age Home in Lautoka, where termite damage has created challenges without solutions for relocating its residents.
Khan called for more vigorous advocacy to the Ministry of Finance for increased funding and encouraged aged care providers to implement better financial management practices and submit comprehensive budgetary requests.
He pointed out the government’s calls for civil society organizations and faith-based groups to assist in addressing drug abuse, violence against women, and elderly care, yet highlighted the lack of financial support from the Ministry of Finance for these initiatives.
Mue Fisher, a board member from Father Law Home, shared that they have sought immediate financial aid from the public due to cash flow issues. With the rising cost of living in Fiji, operational costs including wages for staff, essential repairs like fixing leaking roofs, and day-to-day expenses such as food and utilities have also surged.
Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, confirmed that last financial year, her ministry granted Father Law Home $30,000 for operational support. For the current year, the home submitted a partial request for additional funding, and the ministry is awaiting their audit report to ensure transparency before providing another $30,000 grant.
Tabuya reassured that the ministry values the care of the elderly and commends the work done by agencies caring for senior citizens. She indicated that Father Law Home is encouraged to seek additional support from other donors and the private sector to help with their operational costs.
Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad, currently attending the International Monetary Fund (IMF) World Bank Annual Meeting in the U.S., has been approached for comments on this matter and will address the concerns upon his return.
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