The Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting the Hon. Myles LaRoda told the general public not to leave the nation’s seniors to face their twilight years in loneliness, fear or neglect.
“Instead, let us walk with them, protect them, and most of all, value them as the treasures that they truly are,” the Social Services Minister said at a press conference to announce the theme and plans for Older Persons Month at the Department of Social Services’ Headquarters on Friday, October 3, 2025.
This year’s theme is, ‘Advocating for Care and Protection of Older Persons’ and the whole month of October is dedicated to Older Persons.
The Minister said, “We should be ever mindful that in caring for our older persons, we are not only protecting the past — we are also safeguarding the foundation of our future.”
But he noted that the reality for the country’s senior citizens is troubling. The Social Services Minister explained that based on cumulative statistics recorded by the Senior Citizens Division, between the years 2023 – 2025, there has been:
123 requests for Government rental units,
163 requests for group home placement — even though the three Government group homes combined can only hold 40,
74 requests for Geriatric Hospital placement,
33 reports of neglect,
1 report of self-neglect,
2 reports of financial abuse,
6 reports of verbal abuse and
1 report of sexual abuse.
He said what is most alarming is that many of these reports came from older persons who had nowhere to live, or who were living in substandard conditions.
“In some cases, families genuinely could not provide the level of care their loved ones needed, but in other cases, families stepped aside, no doubt with the belief that it was the government’s responsibility to take over.”
The Minister added, “While these figures may not capture the full reality in our communities, they shine a light on what has been reported, and that in itself is enough to stir us to action.”
He explained that the public can help by listening for, observing and learning what the signs of elder abuse are, some of which include:
Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts or scars
Lack of basic hygiene, adequate food and water, or clean and appropriate clothing
Sunken eyes or unexplained weight loss
Untreated bedsores
Dismissive attitude or statements about injuries
Unreasonable fearful or suspicious behaviour
Lack of interest in social contacts
Unexplained or uncharacteristic changes in behaviour
Unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding
Venereal diseases or vaginal infections
Signs of insufficient care or unpaid bills, despite adequate financial resources
Large withdrawals from bank accounts or unusual ATM activity
Minister LaRoda said individuals should check on older persons regularly and maintain open communication with them; encourage them to speak if abuse is suspected; and report any suspicious indicators to the Police, or Social Services at their Baillou Hill Road Office, or through the Ministry’s 24-hour Hotline at 422-2763 or 711.
The Minister said there is a schedule of events planned throughout the month, not only for public education and awareness, but also for the enjoyment of older persons.
The upcoming events include a Church Service on Thursday, October 16, at Bible Truth Ministries; a One-Day Symposium to discuss aspects of law regarding living wills, funeral arrangements, savings and budgeting, health and wellness, as well as discussions on the Older Persons Act on Thursday, October 23 at the Department of Social Services Baillou Hill Road Office; and Movie Night on Friday, October 31 at the Department of Social Services Baillou Hill Road Office.
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