Home for the aged pushed in QC

MANILA, Philippines - Three Quezon City councilors have filed a proposed measure which seeks to establish a home for the aged for indigent senior citizens, as well as those who are victims of abuse or abandoned by their families.

Councilors Ramon Medalla, Ranulfo Ludovica and Rogelio Juan filed a proposed ordinance that would allocate a P3-million budget to establish and maintain a residence for the elderly in the city.

“Filipinos have strong family ties but necessity calls to build a comfort place initiated by the local government for protection of abandoned, neglected, and indigent elders of Quezon City so as to provide comfort and care through their aging,” read the proposal.

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

The ordinance classifies an elderly person as an indigent if his or his immediate family’s income does 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.

Medical, spiritual, recreational, and dietary services will be provided in the center. The senior citizens will also be provided with other basic necessities.

According to the proposed measure, an elderly person may stay with the home for the duration of his life unless his family decides to personally take care of him.

Once approved, 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 same amount will be allocated annually by the local government.

The local offices of the senior citizen affairs and social services will be responsible for drafting the ordinance's implementing rules and regulations.