WILLEMSTAD – A new report by the organization Hende-I-Medio-Ambiente (HiMA) not only warns about increasing pressure on elderly care in Curaçao but also outlines a series of proposals aimed at strengthening the island’s care system for seniors.
The report calls for a combination of better data collection, expanded care capacity, stronger support for family caregivers and the development of new residential care models.
One of the first steps proposed by HiMA is gaining better insight into elderly residents who currently fall outside the formal healthcare system. The organization suggests conducting targeted research to identify seniors living at home without adequate support.
According to HiMA, there are indications that a significant number of elderly people across the island depend on relatives, neighbors or informal help, even though their care needs may be greater than currently recognized.
Such an inventory would not only map the number of vulnerable seniors but also assess their medical and social conditions. This information could help determine which types of care are needed, ranging from home care and day programs to admission to nursing homes.
The report also points to the possibility of converting unused buildings into residential care facilities. HiMA notes that several government buildings and other properties on the island are currently vacant and could be relatively quickly adapted to house elderly care services. This approach could help expand capacity in the short term without waiting for lengthy construction projects.
Another key recommendation is strengthening support for family caregivers. In practice, many elderly people in Curaçao rely on relatives for daily care. While this informal care is essential, HiMA warns that it is increasingly under pressure due to economic challenges and the fact that many caregivers also need to maintain full-time employment.
The organization therefore advocates measures to support caregivers, including training, guidance and temporary relief services that allow family members to take breaks when needed.
The report also emphasizes the growing need for geriatric care as the population ages. Conditions such as dementia and chronic diseases are expected to become more common, requiring more specialized expertise and facilities within the healthcare system.
As an example, the report highlights the geriatric rehabilitation program established at nursing home Betèsda. This type of care focuses on helping elderly patients recover after hospitalization so they can regain independence. However, HiMA warns that the program currently lacks structural funding, making its long-term continuation uncertain.
According to the organization, this example shows that innovative care models are possible in Curaçao but often rely on temporary or unstable funding sources. HiMA therefore calls for a more stable financing model for elderly care.
To better coordinate efforts across the sector, the report proposes the creation of a special taskforce on elderly care. This body would bring together representatives from government, healthcare institutions and other stakeholders to align policy, financing and implementation.
HiMA argues that an integrated approach is necessary to address the growing demand for care. Taking action in time could help prevent hospitals from becoming overloaded and reduce the number of elderly residents who remain at home without appropriate support.
Ultimately, the organization says the government must take the lead in developing a structural strategy. The report calls on authorities to place elderly care higher on the policy agenda and ensure clear coordination, sustainable funding and stronger cooperation between healthcare institutions.
HiMA concludes that the aging of the population has long been predictable and that the time has come to move from scattered initiatives toward a comprehensive policy approach involving government, healthcare providers, civil society and the private sector.