Long-term programs for senior citizens pushed

MANILA, Philippines - The Arroyos in the House of Representatives are pushing for institutionalized and long-term programs and services for senior citizens.

Former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and Camarines Sur Rep. Diosdado “Dato” Arroyo authored House Bill 827, or the Long-Term Care for Senior Citizens Act.

They said the State, as parens patriae, should take an active role in alleviating the plight of senior citizens, especially the unwanted and deserted. The measure is pending with the House committee on population and family relations.

“We must establish an institutionalized long-term care program for the nation’s senior citizens to enable them to have dignified, healthy and secured lives,” Dato said.

The lawmakers expressed concern over the plight of countless senior citizens who have been abandoned and neglected by their loved ones and also find themselves unattended and helpless during their twilight years.

“We Filipinos are known for the unrequited care we give our elderly. In fact, this customary practice is one attribute that sets us apart from other cultures. However, sad to say, this generosity is oftentimes extended only to members of our own families,” they said.

“Not only is this consistent with our deeply rooted values, but more so, a visible testament to our government’s commitment to alleviate the living conditions of all our citizens, both young and old alike,” Dato said.

Dato noted the numerous dependent senior citizens who are either frail, sickly, suffering from disabilities, and have no other means of support.

The bill outlines a National Long-Term Care Program Framework, which shall embody core programs and/or services focusing on social welfare, livelihood/job generation programs, social insurance and social safety nets.

The program framework also deals with development programs that would allow senior citizens to remain actively engaged in as many social, economic and community activities as possible.

“Integrated and innovative elderly-focused health and social services shall be made available at the local level with particular emphasis on disease prevention, health promotion and wellness of mind, body and spirit,” Mrs. Arroyo said.

The programs should include, among others, home care and hospice for the frail and dependent elderly, development and provision of geriatric training at the family and community level, and mandatory PhilHealth coverage for non-contributory senior citizens especially the poor.

Also included is the provision of home nursing for the elderly, facilities for respite care, programs on counseling, professional guidance and emotional support and low-cost, community-based activities integrated into existing community health programs as well as strengthening of inter-generational relationships.

The amount necessary to carry out provisions of the proposed law shall be included in the annual national budget following its enactment into law and thereafter, the local government units shall undertake the maintenance of the institutions established.

The measure proposed the National Long-Term Care Program for Senior Citizens should be jointly implemented by the Departments of Finance, Health, the Interior and Local Government, Social Welfare and Development and the various local government units.

The National Inter-Agency Monitoring Board created under Republic Act 9257, otherwise known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, shall take the lead in monitoring the implementation of the law.