WILLEMSTAD - The Council for Elderly Policy advocates for a centralized and better-coordinated policy for elderly care in Curaçao. Currently, care is divided across various ministries, leading to inefficiencies and a lack of collaboration. This fragmentation has resulted in unclear structures and a lack of coordination between the different agencies.
Funding for elderly services is spread across three ministries, each with its own responsibilities. Many elderly people in Curaçao, who rely solely on the old-age insurance AOV, are struggling significantly. The lack of monthly income, the substantial increase in the prices of basic necessities, and the decline in health due to aging worsen their situation. "The consequences are disastrous," said the Council.
Furthermore, the Council emphasizes the importance of informal care as a solution to enable elderly people to stay at home longer but notes that caregivers often receive insufficient support. There is an urgent need for a social safety net and policies that support caregivers.
The Council calls for an integrated approach involving the entire society and looks to successful elderly care models in other countries to apply these best practices in Curaçao.