A collaborative approach is essential to effectively promote the welfare of senior citizens, says Minister Rosy Akbar.

The Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation made these comments at the celebrations of Benina Ciriavesi’s 100th birthday at the Samabula Senior Citizens Home in Suva earlier this week.

The event was organised by the Ministry to recognise the senior citizens living in age care homes.

While speaking at the event, Ms Akbar has called on families to inculcate the values of respect and care for the senior citizens.

“The whole idea of today’s event is not only to celebrate the life of one of our own, she (Benina) is like our grandmother.

“The first time I met her was when I first joined the Ministry, something pulled me towards her from there on, I have been closely associated with her.

“And I believe that each one of us should have that passion to not only care for our own seniors, but to also care for somebody who has been neglected by her own in the society.

“I am pleased that my ministry has been given the responsibility to look after these age care homes. We are trying to promote inclusive society and our senior citizens must be included and my humble plea for the families is to realise that our senior citizens deserve to be cared for in their own homes, among their families,” Minister Akbar elaborated.

The Ministry is committed to caring of elderlies and have plans to streamline services at the three age care homes in the country.

“Whatever the circumstance maybe, our seniors deserve to be treated with respect. I have always pleaded to the families out there whether you are overseas whether you are here; there is still time for you to come and take your loved ones back into your homes, give them the respect and dignity that they deserve.

“As a ministry we are very much committed to create a supportive and inclusive society for our senior citizens, but we cannot achieve this alone. Let us all be the ambassadors for our senior citizens around the country,” Minister Akbar said.

The Ministry has been allocated $934,744 in the 2016-2017 Budget to administer the three age care homes in Fiji namely Samabula Senior Citizens Home, Natabua Golden Age Home and Babasiga Ashram in Labasa.