In spite of the government’s increase in social protection benefits, the needs of bedridden seniors in the impoverished Nasinu settlement have not been adequately met. However, dedicated volunteers are stepping in, helping older members of the community find new purpose and support networks.
Last week, the focus was on the financial challenges faced by aged-care institutions, but this week the attention turns to senior citizens living outside the formal aged-care system. A visit to Muanikoso, an informal settlement in Nasinu, revealed the struggles that elderly residents endure. The community, consisting of families from iTaukei, Indo-Fijian, and Ni-Vanuatu backgrounds, faces issues such as old-age poverty and drug use.
Margaret Bennion, a nearly 70-year-old community health worker, has dedicated her life to supporting her elderly neighbors. Residing in Muanikoso for over 30 years, she tirelessly assists those who are bedridden, often receiving calls to help with tasks ranging from changing adult diapers to providing transportation to medical facilities. Ms. Bennion emphasized that the poverty experienced by these seniors and their families has been overlooked for too long, despite recent government efforts to increase social welfare support.
Currently, seniors over 70 years receive a monthly allowance of FJ$150 from the government, which is insufficient for their basic needs. Ms. Bennion advocates for additional support, specifically requesting vouchers for essential items like adult diapers, which can be quite costly. Her work highlights the urgent need for greater assistance, as many seniors rely heavily on this allowance just to sustain their households.
A recent report by Mohammed Hassan Khan, a member of the National Council of Older Persons, highlights the alarming conditions many older residents face in Nasinu. It outlines recommendations to improve their situation, including establishing proper governance structures to support the elderly and sufficient training for volunteers.
Despite these obstacles, positive initiatives are budding at the grassroots level. Volunteers, such as Ms. St. John from Lami District Council of Social Services, are hosting events to enhance the well-being of older individuals and provide them with opportunities for social interaction. Such gatherings allow seniors to escape the loneliness of their routines, fostering a sense of community and joy.
The feedback from these events has been overwhelmingly positive, with families noting the significant emotional impact on their elderly relatives. “I love helping people,” said Ms. Bennion, who remains committed to her community service work as a way to uplift and inspire others who may be facing hardship.
Advocacy groups like the Fiji Council of Social Services continue to push for improvements in the welfare of older persons. They emphasize the need for more localized interventions to address the specific challenges faced by communities. The hope is that what is being learned and accomplished in Nasinu and Lami can act as a model for other areas.
While challenges remain, the spirit of volunteerism and community support shines brightly, promising a brighter future for the older population in these settlements. The collective efforts to address and uplift the lives of seniors reflect the resilience and compassion within the community, encouraging continuous advocacy for better support and resources.
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