Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services Shidhatha Shareef has revealed the administration aims to develop a suitable home for the elderly.
Speaking on a programme aired on PSM News, Gender Minister Shidhatha noted the existing home for the elderly does not house the necessary requirements or provide the most suitable environment. Noting currently the elderly are kept in the Home for People with Special Needs in Guraidhoo in Kaafu Atoll, the gender minister said the centre is specialised facility for people with mental illness. She said keeping the elderly in such a facility have caused several emotional issues from the inpatients.
Moreover, the minister highlighted it is of importance to provide a safe environment for the elderly, adding efforts are underway to establish a suitable home for them. Shidhatha noted the population of the elderly are increasing, adding several efforts must be exerted to ensure a safe and protected environment is provided for them.
Over 70 cases are filed on average which are related to the elderly, according to statistics of gender ministry. While the care for the elderly needing more attention from the stakeholders, the minister further expressed the poor condition of the child shelters managed by the state. She added efforts have been initiated to solve the issues and to improve the facilities and services.