Two new care model homes at Koroipita Model Town have received furnishings and are now ready to welcome elderly residents who do not have a safe place to stay.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran officiated at the handing over of the furnishings provided by LDS Charities for the newly built units.
Kiran says the homes will provide full-time, around-the-clock care for elderly residents who require support and have limited options for safe accommodation.
Koroipita Model Town General Manager Paul Forrester says the community now has more than 1,500 residents, including 62 people in their 60s and 27 people aged over 70.
He says the growing number of elderly residents highlights the need for aged care services within the community, particularly for people who have experienced hardship.
Forrester says the two homes are Koroipita’s first step towards providing full-time care for elderly residents.
He says the facilities will provide residents with companionship, improved care and support, while also addressing their nutritional and sanitation needs.
Kiran says Fiji has not paid enough attention to ageing over the past two decades and Government is now working to address the growing need for care services for older people.
She says Government’s existing HPL facilities are fully occupied, making community-based care an important option.
Kiran says the Koroipita care model homes will allow elderly residents to receive care while remaining connected to the wider community.
She thanked Koroipita’s management, board and trustees for supporting the development of the facilities, and LDS Charities for providing the furnishings.
The first residents are expected to move into the new homes next week.
