TWO aged-care facilities have opened in Koroipita, Lautoka, providing full-time care for elderly residents and people with special needs.
Koroipita Model Towns Charitable Trust general manager Paul Forrest said the initiative reflected the growing need for aged-care services within the community.
“Providing homes is only the beginning; we must also respond to the changing health, care and social needs of the people who live here,” he said.
“Social housing also comes with social needs.”
Mr Forrest said 62 residents were in their 60s, while 27 were aged 70 oand above, with the oldest resident aged 76.
He said 15 residents, including adults and children with special needs, required home assistance ranging from one hour a day to full-time care.
“These numbers highlight the growing need for aged-care services in our community, especially as there are limited options elsewhere.”
Mr Forrest said plans were also underway to develop an outdoor area where residents could enjoy fresh air and social interaction.
Minister for Women Sashi Kiran said the facilities represented the first model of community care at Koroipita.
She commended Mr Forrest for his vision and thanked the board and trustees for supporting the initiative.
“I’m really grateful for Paul’s vision – for opening yourself to the challenge, and I thank the board and trustees for opening to this idea of building aged-care facilities within the community,” Ms Kiran said.
Meanwhile, Latter-day Saints Charities donated household items for residents with support from the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection.
