Building age care homes should not be the permanent solution for dealing with our senior citizens, says Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Rosy Akbar.

Ms Akbar had encouraged children to consider keeping their old parents at home, in a loving environment, to repay the sacrifices they made for the family’s benefit.

This follows concerns by the ministry that the number of elderly people accommodated by care homes has increased.

Ms Akbar revealed this at a briefing by the National Council of Older Persons at the Samabula Senior Citizens Home in Suva.

“We will still reiterate that senior citizens deserve and must be kept within the vicinity of their homes with their families and loved ones. Unfortunately, for those who are pushed out of their homes for whatever reasons we have homes that exist but that should not be the solution.”

There are currently 53 residents at the home.

It is projected, she said, that in 2050 close to 30,000 people will be aged over 80 years.

Meanwhile, 99-year- old Benina Cirivesi shed tears yesterday when Ms Akbar visited her to celebrate her birthday with other residents.

Ms Cirivesi, a widow had been living at the home since 2009.

“I hardly have any visitors coming to visit me but I am so grateful that a Minister has thought of me and come to celebrate this day with me,” she said with tears.

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