CAREGIVING SERVICES TRINIDAD TOBAGO
The Geriatric Adolescent Partnership Program (GAPP), which falls under the purview of the Ministry of Community Development provides home caregiving services. Under this program young adults are informed about the ageing process and receive training in basic geriatric care. Caregiving services can also be accessed from the Trinidad and Tobago Registered Nurses Association and the Women in Harmony Programme (Ministry of Gender Youth and Child Development)
The Continuum of Health and Social Support Services for Older Persons was approved by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago in 2004 to provide a range of services for the elderly. Senior activity centers which are a component of The Continuum of Health and Social Support Services hare been successfully implemented.
Other components ,which are currently being developed are Adult Daycare Services Programme Meals-on-Wheels Programme, Transport Escort (similar to Dial-a-Ride), Companion Care, and Assisted Living Facilities.
World-wide trends indicate that the oldest old cohort (persons 85 years and above) is increasing and tend to be more infirm. This growth increase is an indication that governments need to prepare for support services for the elderly. As with other developing countries Trinidad and Tobago’s support system is decreasing.
In the absence of state and private agencies to support the elderly the familial care networks have been (and continue to be) the main source of support for seniors in Trinidad and Tobago.
The current Parent Support Ratio is 4.8. However it is projected in a near future to increase to 19.3 persons (85+) per every one hundred persons (50-64 years). The increase in the Parent Support Ratio suggests that more needs to be done to establish elderly independence.
Avenues being pursued include Residential Long Term Care and Assisted Living Facilities.
SOURCE NATIONAL REPORT REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO AT THE THIRD REGIONAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL CONFERENCE ON AGEING IN COSTA RICA MAY 8-11, 2012 Ministry of the People and Social Development Division of Ageing