Senior citizens in Dominica must be safeguarded from financial scams, abuse, and neglect to ensure they can live their later years with dignity.
Chairman of the Education and Health Committee of the Dominica Council on Ageing (DCOA), Cecil Shillingford, made the remarks following a recent panel discussion hosted by the DCOA at the Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU) building, where participants examined the legal rights and protections available to older adults.
He said the country’s senior citizens have made significant contributions to Dominica throughout their lives and deserve care and support in their later years.
“Many of our seniors have blazed the trail and worked hard over the years to make our country and society what it is, and a better place to live in. Now that they are elderly and not able to do much, families, friends and society must be ready and willing to assist in making their twilight years comfortable, happy and healthy as much as possible,” he said.
Shillingford added, “They must be loved and cared for to lengthen their days. They must be protected from unscrupulous persons who would want to scam them out of their life savings and other possessions.”
He stressed that strong legal protections are essential to preserving the rights and independence of older adults. According to Shillingford, these protections should guarantee seniors access to healthcare while shielding them from abuse, neglect and financial exploitation.
“They have to be protected from abuse and neglect, be it physical, emotional or psychological,” he stated. “They have to be safeguarded against financial exploitation.”
Shillingford also said older adults should have access to quality healthcare and social services, while maintaining their right to privacy and the freedom to make decisions about their own lives.
“They must have the right to privacy and self-determination,” he noted.
