Government Announces Merger of Child Care Board and National Assistance Board to Form Family Services Agency: Details on Leadership Change and Legislative Updates

“I have had a number of persons come to me and tell me that when they’re trying to do their duties, it becomes more difficult,” he said, citing instances where staff were forced to navigate tense situations, including hostile family disputes and unwelcoming neighbourhoods.

Humphrey also highlighted instances where NAB workers’ efforts to assist the vulnerable often lead to them being caught in family disputes.

“People have to deal with dogs or neighbours or family members who are feuding,” he said. “Our staff, when they come to a household, are coming to do work on behalf of the government but also on behalf of the older person on behalf of the family. This has to stop.”

Humphrey stressed that NAB employees play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of elderly citizens and deserve to be treated with dignity and appreciation.

Thanking the workers, he said: “I know that sometimes the press and the public can be a little bit harsh, but the work that has to be done in social services is just way too important.”

Beyond the treatment of NAB workers, the minister urged Barbadians to take greater responsibility for caring for the elderly. He warned that societal changes have led to a decline in family and community support, which has traditionally been the backbone of elder care.

“There’s a tendency to think these days that the government must be able to do everything. Traditionally, the mechanisms of care that perpetuated life were not located in the government,” he pointed out.

The minister also used the opportunity to praise financial institutions for measures taken to protect the assets of elderly persons.

“If an older person has dementia and a family member shows up asking to move the assets into their name, a lot of banks are saying ‘no’; that you need to either come with some support from the ministry, or you need to have a power of attorney or something that gives you the authority to be able to claim these assets,” he explained.

Humphrey called for a “whole-of-country approach” to address the issues faced by the elderly in Barbados, emphasising that everyone has a part to play.

“If we do this together, we will be able to survive, and Barbados will be much better for it,” he concluded. “Together, we will be able to create an environment where our elderly can thrive and we can build a Barbados that truly cares for all its citizens.”

(RG)