Bahrain provides quality care services and programs to elderly

TDT | Manama                                                    

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com     

Reported by Zahra Ayaz

Senior citizens with a greater sense of ‘hope’ are more likely to experience a better future, better physical health outcomes, and better psychological and social well-being, according to a new study carried out by geriatric researchers.

Many of the people aged above 60 in Bahrain are suffering from various mental health problems, including depression caused by negligence and abandonment by family members.

Five per cent of the Kingdom’s elderly population faces some or other form of abuse, according to a study. The study carried out by Dr Nasser S, Dr Mallala H, Dr Jadeed and Dr Taraif revealed the situation regarding elderly abuse and elderly care in the Kingdom.

According to the study, the Kingdom is one of the first Arab countries which formed a National Committee for Elderly in the year 1984 to protect the rights of the elderly population. “Elderly abuse is considered a violation in the Kingdom according to Bahrain Act number 85 introduced in the year 2009,” the study reveals.

“Those responsible for subjecting an elderly Bahraini to abuse that includes neglecting could be either fined or jailed or could face both, depending on the type of abuse.” The Ministry of Social Development supervises several parental care homes, located in residential neighborhoods throughout the Kingdom which take care of the elderly during the day.

Speaking to The Daily Tribune, a social worker from Muharraq Social Welfare Centre, who wants to remain anonymous, said: “We provide all the facilities such as social, health, psychological and living. We help to develop suitable rehabilitation programs for the elderly and take advantage of their abilities and potential.

“We give personnel training and qualification to raise their efficiency and develop their abilities in the field of care for the elderly. “The ministry covers all of their medical costs when they are ill, and some people even donate a certain amount.”

There are two forms of care, he explained. “The first is permanent care, which is given to old people who do not have anyone or their family circumstances do not allow caring for them.