MLSS says it’s working with other stakeholders to assist evicted seniors from nursing home
KINGSTON, Jamaica-The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) says following reports that a nursing home in St Catherine from which senior citizens were left on the streets, after a court-ordered eviction, the ministry has been working with other stakeholders to assess the situation and identify the welfare needs of the affected seniors.
In a statement on Monday, the MLSS said its checks revealed that all except five of the seniors had been collected by their relatives.
“We are aware that the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD), through the Poor Relief Department, had made arrangements to provide shelter in a government-operated infirmary for the remaining five persons as may be required. The operator of the home however declined the offer, and assured the ministry that suitable alternative arrangements had been made for the remaining seniors in her care,” the statement read.
READ: WATCH: Senior citizens left to live on sidewalk after nursing home evicted
It went on to say that the MLSS has confirmed that the facility has been relocated, and continues to monitor the situation.
“The ministry is assuring the public that it stands ready to provide timely and necessary assistance to support the safety and well-being of the senior citizens, and that it is committed to the vision of the National Policy for Senior Citizens: senior citizens live and participate actively in a society that guarantees their rights, promotes their responsibilities, recognises their capabilities and contributions, and facilitates their enjoyment of a life of fulfilment, health, and security,” the ministry said.
“The National Policy for Senior Citizens was launched in September 2022. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security continues to work towards the provision of legislation to enforce the protection of the rights of senior citizens, contained within the policy,” the statement added.
On March 11 OBSERVER ONLINE reported that senior citizens have been living on the sidewalk outside a nursing home on Longford Avenue in Ewarton, St Catherine.
The house has been operating as the ‘Pleasant Care Nursing Home’ for about 25 years.
