New homes, more Govt support to community-based facilities among plans to enhance the lives of senior citizens

The Government is set to expand and modernise elderly care services with plans for a new senior citizens’ home, upgraded facilities, and incentives to support smaller private and community-based care homes in a push to strengthen support systems for the nation’s ageing population.
During the consideration of 2026 budget estimates, Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud related that her Ministry is moving to significantly upgrade elderly care nationwide, with plans already underway for the construction of a new, modern senior citizens’ home and the rollout of more innovative and progressive approaches to supporting older persons across the country.

“You will be happy to know that we are constructing a brand-new senior citizens’ home, and that home will have the modern amenities and facilities. We already have a design for it. Further to that, we are looking at a very, very progressive, innovative, and creative way of addressing the needs of senior citizens across the country,” the Minister said.
To top it off, the Minister mentioned that the Government is examining ways to deliver more community-based and home-based care for both elderly persons and children.
She explained that this will be supported through a co-investment model aimed at equipping individuals with the resources needed to establish and operate small care facilities within their communities.
“We are looking at how we can provide community- and home-based care for elders and children. In the communities, we are going to be working through the co-invest model and equipping persons with the necessary resources to have some of these smaller facilities in their communities, doing several things – providing care, providing employment, and giving entrepreneurship opportunities. In addition to that, we have already laid the groundwork because we have trained a number of persons, in fact, hundreds of persons, in elder and patient care through the Women’s Innovation Investment Network.”
Meanwhile, Opposition Members of Parliament questioned the allocation for building maintenance under the Human Services and Social Security Ministry.
In response, the Minister explained that the requested funds are intended to support the upscaling and upgrading of buildings under the Ministry’s responsibility, including facilities that provide care and social services. She indicated that the works form part of broader efforts to improve infrastructure and enhance the quality and capacity of service delivery across the sector.
“Mr Speaker, we are looking at several buildings that fall under the Ministry, notably the one at Corn Hill and Water Streets. That is one of the main buildings providing services to persons, notably pensioners and persons with disabilities. It’s a very old building, and there are a number of repairs that have to be done, such as repairs to the ceiling and roof, wallboards, and repainting, because we have leakages in some parts of the building,” Dr Persaud stated.
She further outlined that the Palms Geriatric Home, being a very old facility, continues to face persistent structural and maintenance challenges, prompting a broad programme of rehabilitation works.
She explained that the building’s electrical system is outdated, with ageing wiring that now requires targeted repairs and upgrades. Planned works include the replacement and repair of electrical switches and outlets to improve safety and reliability.
Dr Persaud noted that the scope of works goes beyond electrical upgrades and includes expansion and reconfiguration within the compound. Two new specialised units are being established – one dedicated to senior citizens and another designed specifically for persons living with disabilities. Areas within the building are being repaired and converted to make these units functional and properly equipped.
The Minister also highlighted that attention is being given to staff welfare, with improvements planned for working conditions. These include repairs to toilets, pipes, and other plumbing systems used by employees. Across multiple blocks, damaged floor tiles will be replaced, and washrooms rehabilitated as part of the overall upgrade.
In addition, several structural elements will be addressed, including the replacement of damaged windows and doors throughout the facility. She stressed that due to the age of the Palms, maintenance is an ongoing necessity, and the planned interventions represent only part of a continuing effort to keep the institution safe, functional, and better suited to the needs of its residents and staff.
“And here again, because of the age of the building – being a very, very old building that predates all of us here – we have very old wiring in some parts. So we have to redo all of the defective or unsafe electrical systems. We’re also looking at the kitchen at the Palms and doing plumbing, carpentry, and electrical works there, as well as repairs to wallboards, doors, and windows. We’re doing this in several areas of the Palms,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Minister said the Night Shelter is also among the facilities slated for continued upgrades, noting that its condition in 2020 was “very, very deplorable.” She explained that between 2020 and 2025, significant rehabilitation works were undertaken to improve the environment for occupants.
“We’ve done significant work to improve the Night Shelter because we can’t keep people who are indigent or homeless in conditions that are not suitable,” she said, adding that further works will continue.
According to the Minister, investments have already been made to enhance the overall facility, with additional upgrades planned for ceilings, walls, and flooring. Repairs are also being carried out to electrical wiring, switches, outlets, washrooms, and sinks to ensure safer and more humane conditions.