Number of seniors becoming homeless, neglected rising
MORE and more elders are now becoming homeless and neglected.
This was revealed by Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid, who filed a bill seeking to institutionalize the establishment of nursing homes for neglected and abandoned elderly in every city and municipality.
In filing Senate Bill No. 1201, known as the “Homes for Abandoned Seniors Act”, Lapid recognized “our senior citizens’ immense contributions to the country’s growth and progress.”
Thus, to show appreciation, Lapid expressed that the proposed measure aims to provide institutionalized residential care programs and services, such as but not limited to comfortable living quarters, adequate food and clothing, medical consultation or treatment, among others, for the qualified beneficiaries who are unable to take care of themselves.
“Malaki ang naiambag ng ating mga senior citizens sa pag-unlad ng ating bansa. Kaya naman sa pagsapit nila sa takip-silim ng kanilang buhay, responsibilidad natin bilang isang lipunan na tiyakin ang kanilang mga karapatan at pribilehiyo, lalo na sa tama at maayos tirahan at pangangalaga ay naibibigay sa kanila,” Lapid said.
In the bill’s explanatory note, the senator highlighted that, unlike western societies, Filipinos are known for their genuine respect and care for the elderly and do not merely consider taking care of them as an obligation but rather as a “sign of gratitude and love”.
However, Lapid also noted that cases of abandonment and neglect of the elderly in the country are increasing because of the aging population coupled with the economic reality of spending for the care and maintenance of the elderly, which may become burdensome for households that do not earn enough.
“Bilang isang lipunan, polisiya po natin na alagaan ang mga taong hindi kayang alagaan ang kanilang sarili. Sa ganito, napananatili po natin ang kultura ng pagtutulungan at pag-iibigan sa ating komunidad at mapananatili natin ang lakas ng ugnayan ng bawat isa sa atin,” Lapid added.
The proposed measure likewise allows senior citizens to reconcile with their families and return to their care. Beneficiaries who have recovered from their illness and become well enough to care for themselves may also opt to leave the (nursing) home voluntarily.
Lapid explained that any beneficiary may opt to leave the nursing home, provided that the DSWD deems them able to care for themselves or that they are endorsed to their family or guardians who will take responsibility for their care. By Camille P. Balagtas and PS Jun M. Sarmiento
