Families urged to care for elderly as neglect cases increase

Neglect and abuse of senior citizens by their own families have become a growing concern in Nasinu, Fiji’s most densely populated municipality.

The issue prompted the Nasinu District Council for Older Persons to organise a special recreational programme at the Fiji Museum yesterday, bringing together elderly residents from Tovata, Makoi, Tuirara, Narere, Muanikoso, and the Valelevu Hart Nursing Home.

Valelevu Hart Nursing Home matron Sereima Rabi said caring for 27 residents with only three staff members was extremely challenging, particularly because many had been abandoned by their families.

“Most of them have been neglected by families, even abused by their own children,” Ms Rabi said, who has served at the home for 11 years.
“There are 27 different mindsets — it’s a big challenge for our staff to calm them because of what they’ve been through.”

Ms Rabi urged families to take responsibility for caring for their elderly at home.

“They are part of us — they are our family. They’re in their last days, and it’s a blessing to look after them,” she said.

Council chair and retired police officer Randhir Prasad said many senior citizens in Nasinu had been forgotten by their loved ones.

“My message to all children living in Nasinu: please look after your parents or grandparents. Care for them while you still can,” he said.

The council supports senior citizens by providing adult diapers and basic food items to those relying solely on welfare allowances.

One of the residents, Pradeep Chand, 69, from Korociriciri, Nausori, said he had lived at the home for four years and enjoyed the museum outing.

He encouraged grown children to never forget their parents, no matter their circumstances.