EDITORIAL: Value our elderly
Urgent attention needs to be given to issues that affect the elderly, and any policy changes or reforms must be done expeditiously to ensure that they benefit, as time is paramount, especially to seniors.
One of the issues that is an obvious priority in the life of an elderly person is that of healthcare. In the past, concerns have emerged not only about the cost and availability of medication for this segment of society, but also about the treatment and care of the elderly, which is closely associated. With regard to care at health institutions, elderly abandonment was at a crisis point at one time, with several people being left unceremoniously in Accident and Emergency, or whose families refused to collect them after being discharged. Unfortunately, all these are still major concerns, along with further improvements necessary at the level of healthcare service being provided.
For instance, at the recent Democratic Labour Party’s 66th Annual Conference, Paul Gibson, Shadow spokesman for Health, shared his concern for some of Barbados’ elderly who are seeking medical attention. Stating up front that he was not seeking to bash the nursing fraternity and that 95-97 per cent of nurses are fantastic individuals who must be celebrated, he however said: “...Unfortunately, sometimes it seems that if a mature, elderly person comes into the hospital, it is that they believe, sometimes, that they are coming to die. So, if you have a 94-year-old lady who had a stroke, they’re not about sometimes getting that person up and out, ready, and fit to go back to their family...” His opinion follows closely a number of allegations circulated on social media over time, that became more prevalent with the introduction of COVID-19 into the society, which placed the hospital under added pressure of treating patients amidst a heightened level of social protocols, leaving patients to complain about poor treatment and lack of attention.
It is hoped that these incidents are fiction, for while it may be understandable that resources are stretched at this time and that preventing the spread of COVID-19 is of paramount importance at a hospital which serves an entire country, every patient matters and deserves the best care, no matter their age. Therefore, no one should feel like they are suffering in silence or that they are being left to die. Society should instead recognise the value of our elderly; the knowledge gained from years of experience through major political, cultural and technological change. Respect them for what they have contributed to this country’s development and what they can still share with the younger generations. Promote active ageing – maintaining a high level of physical activity and mental and social stimulation for seniors.
With the month of September quickly approaching, once again Barbadians will begin to celebrate older members of the population during Senior Citizens Month. Still it is a shame that seniors seem to only get attention for such a short period. Rather, the attention and commitment towards seniors should not be considered time sensitive or relegated to a specific period. The issues affecting the elderly need to be addressed every single day if any progress is to be made.
As such, the suggestion for Government to build more state-run homes for the elderly should be implemented with haste, to alleviate the burden on the hospital and to assist those who cannot afford to pay for private care. In addition, there needs to be a realisation that these issues should not be considered a problem for only the Government and the relevant ministry – but a challenge for every Barbadian.