Councilors want a ‘home for QC’s aged’

A proposed ordinance seeking the establishment of a home for the aged, particularly the indigent, victims of abuse or those abandoned or neglected by their families is pending in the Quezon City council.

Councilors Ramon Medalla, Ranulfo Ludovica and Rogelio Juan said the “home for the aged ordinance” would ensure that the elderly in Quezon City would be cared for with the allocation of a P3 million budget for the center’s maintenance.

They explained that despite strong family ties among Filipinos, there was a need “to build a comfort place initiated by the local government for the protection of abandoned, neglected and indigent elders of Quezon City so as to provide comfort and care …”

Under the measure, the home for the aged, which would serve as a residential care center for persons aged 65 years old and above, would be staffed with social workers as well as health and administrative personnel  trained on senior citizen care.

The ordinance classifies an elderly person as an indigent if his income and that of his immediate family do not exceed P40,000 monthly.

A certification from the Department of Social Welfare and Development or the local social services department is required for a neglected, abused or abandoned senior citizen to be admitted into the home.

Services that would be provided in the home would include medical, spiritual, recreational and dietary as well as   other basic necessities.

According to the measure, an elderly person may stay in the home for the duration of his life unless his family opts to take care of him.

An initial fund of P3 million will be taken from the 2014 city budget for the establishment and maintenance of the home for the aged. The amount will be allocated annually from the same source.

Once it is approved, the ordinance’s implementing rules and regulations will be drafted by the local offices of the senior citizen affairs and social services.