From 1987 - 1994, Susan Howatch published a riveting 6 book series on the Church of England in which she dealt with faith, structure, societal and generational issues.  

She was clear as she discussed aging for one of her protagonists that even when one travels in good health, the expectation is that ‘the circle of friends constricts; tales of illness and suffering multiply.’

Elder neglect in the BVI is rampant regardless of the presence of caregivers.  For in those cases, training, empathy and patience are required but often absent.

We have invested heaps in the education of our people, but the benefits have been disproportionate.   

However, appropriate handling of the care of the elderly is imperative.  They have helped to build the BVI but their neglect, including physical, financial, emotional and psychological neglect, transcends socioeconomics and creates its own desperation.

It is a complex, multifaceted problem.  What is sure is that we continue to fail the elderly.

Nowadays, BVI feels less like a country and more like a marketplace.  People, primarily, come to earn and sometimes stay without ever integrating.

The lack of cohesion is evident.  Even family systems are disintegrating with tremendous negative impacts.  It can be no secret; The old requires the young to survive and youth requires the old to thrive.  But we are in the era of the nuclear family.

Six decades ago, BVI homes were places where family health care and community intervention were taught.  

That training was intergenerational with grandparents in the caring cycle and at the centre of extended families. 

Five decades ago, a newly developed Public Health System sent workers across BVI to fight communicable diseases. Again, intervention was family focused and intergenerational.

Four decades ago, Residential Elder Care was moved from Health to Social Services.  This was to have signaled a more comprehensive approach to care for the aging population.  But it flopped.

Meanwhile, the "Marketplace mentality" grew roots.  It changed community dynamics, family dynamics, homes, values, the function of the family, schools and even the churches. 

In short, it changed the BVI.  

Our Public Health and Primary Care Systems did not escape.  Couple that with the breakdown of health education and outreach and the elderly in the BVI are left in an untenable position.

We have done surveys.  Themes and concerns of the aging population were identified.  We understood the needs and the services required.

Unfortunately, little action ensued.  What is clear is that the problems of the elderly grow more complex with time.

They are mostly isolated and many live alone without the company or assistance of family members. 

Some lack hygienic care because they are unable from weakness or illness to help themselves.  So, they often live in squalor with embarrassment.

Many experience hunger, are unable to prepare meals, lack cooking amenities or simply cannot afford groceries so malnutrition lurks.

Others need help with laundry services.  Their own body and environmental odors deepen their distress.

Incontinence to varying degrees compounds their isolation and loneliness.  They feel unloved and unassisted.

For many, chronic pain is a constant companion.

A growing majority cannot afford regular medical and health care fees, NHI notwithstanding.  And assistance to access services is a different kettle of fish.

Surprisingly, some who appear to be well cared for by hired staff may experience coldness, disregard and at times unkind treatment in the absence of relatives.

Others are abused in a variety of ways and many who once led active lives and were connected to a wider circle are grieved by their present loneliness.

And then, there are the elderly who suffer various forms of dementia, some very distressing to the sufferer who may have periods of lucidity sufficient to realize what is happening.

Where is the Territory’s sense of responsibility that it even ignores the Good Samaritans engaged in caring for some of these elderly at considerable personal costs?

The time has come to look at the needs of the elderly in the BVI.  They are in a crisis while the table of state overflows.

Evictions and or deportations for persons who have served the Territory well for decades make us seem subhuman.

Aren’t we better than this?

On Fridays we will continue to ask the questions.   We hope someone cares enough to respond.

Happy Friday!

(I collaborated with former Officers of the Health System and I thank them)