MP seeks return of funding for 13 senior day-care centres

TDT | Manama

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Funding for 13 day-care centres caring for parents and senior citizens should return after it was stopped years ago, an MP has said.

Mohammed Al Olaiwi has filed a proposal asking the government to instruct the Ministry of Social Development to bring back annual financial support for the centres, which include homes, associations and institutions.

“This would help guarantee the continued work of these centres,” he said, arguing that the money would help them keep services running and widen what they offer.

Al Olaiwi said the centres provide day care and social support, alongside family and health services for members.

Projects

He linked their work to the Community Partnership Project, which aims to bring government, civil society groups and the private sector together through care programmes and initiatives that are turned into longer-term projects.

He said the centres aim to keep older people involved in community life by running activities, programmes and workshops, and by helping them keep in touch with others.

“They provide a suitable environment that takes account of older people’s privacy,” he said, adding that they help avoid “isolating them in residential shelters”.