Increase in number of older persons abandoned from their homes

There is an increase in cases where older persons have been abandoned, rejected and treated with cruelty even within their own homes.

According to the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, four elderly people were recently removed from the streets.

Minister Rosy Sofia Akbar said two individuals who are senior citizens in their late 60s were found on the streets of Suva.

She said these two were reunited with their families after a family discussion and counselling.

She added that the other two continue to receive medical treatment at St Giles Hospital and the Ministry is still trying to track their families.

Akbar said there are no housing facilities to accommodate mentally challenged people, however the Ministry is taking appropriate steps to provide medical treatment, before reuniting them with their families.

She said if anyone is facing difficulties looking after their parents at home, they should contact the Ministry for assistance.

Meanwhile, a total of 12,720 senior citizens are benefitting from the Social Pension Scheme.

These are senior citizens who are 70 years and over in age and who have never received any form of superannuation funds like FNPF, Aftercare Fund or Ex-Servicemen.

45,896 individuals including senior citizens of 60 years and above are also benefitting from the Bus Fare Scheme where they pay only 50 percent of the bus fare while it is free for people living with disabilities.