PHILIPSBURG:--- So far the major research findings from the Elderly Research Report has highlighted the findings on the needs of our elderly community as well as the various improvements recommended for the elderly services currently available and those services which are lacking. The final research question which the study explored was: "Which organizations are involved in providing services for the elderly and are they equipped for the aging population?"
As the needs of the elderly continue to increase, the service providers are essential to the overall well-being of our aging population. "It is vital that efforts are synchronized to ensure social protection and provision for the elderly community. Given the limited human and financial capacity at many of the elderly service providers I am urging the community to become more active and volunteer for these organizations," said Minister Cornelius de Weever.
The strengths and the weaknesses of the NGOs and government services providers that cater to the needs of the elderly were assessed in a face-to-face interview. In total 21 representatives from the various service providers (NGOs) and 4 representatives of Governmental entities (see appendix 2) were approached. Of the 25 stakeholders the following nine are specifically catering to the elderly with their services:
- The White and Yellow Cross Elderly Care Home
- The White and Yellow Cross Psycho-Geriatric Daycare Center
- Elderly Foundation Hope Estate
- Sint Maarten Seniors and Pensioners Association
- The Helping Hands Foundation
- Sint Maarten Senior Citizens Recreational Foundation
- Golden Men and Women Foundation
- Meals on Wheels
- Home Away from Home
Major finding indicate that fifteen of the twenty-one service providers feel that they do not have sufficient capacity to cover the needs of the elderly. Ten of them have plans to expand their services. However, the most common obstacle is the lack of sufficient financial means to either execute the current activities or to realize expansion plans. Other obstacles are the lack of staffing or volunteers and the lack of proper transportation to conduct services. Most important conclusion is that financial investments are needed in order to boost the capacity of the service providers. Strengthening these organization will be essential in order to ensure that the elderly in our community are well taken care of.
