All aged-care homes in Fiji have reached full capacity, according to Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran.
Ms Kiran said there were currently no available rooms in existing aged-care facilities around the country.
“At present, all our aged-care homes are full, and there are currently no additional rooms available,” she said.
In response, she said the Government was working with several partners to increase space in existing facilities.
“For example, we are working with St Vincent Home to help them build additional spaces.
“We are also working with Koroipita and other partners.”
While expanding facilities will help address the immediate demand, she said the Government was also considering long-term solutions that move beyond traditional residential homes.
“That is why we are also focusing on community-based care models.”
These models could allow older persons to remain within their communities while receiving the care and support they need.
“For instance, we are looking at whether village facilities or community homes could be used to care for older persons while keeping them engaged in community life,” Ms Kiran said.
She said the nationwide consultations conducted would help shape the development of these new care approaches.
