The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services convened a national consultation on elder care, bringing together stakeholders from across Dominica to examine how the country can better respond to the needs of its aging population. The consultation was held in Roseau and included representatives from public health, civil society, faith-based groups, legal services, and senior citizens’ advocacy networks.
As Dominica’s population structure continues to shift, officials are increasingly concerned about the lack of structured services and protections for older persons, particularly in rural communities. The session focused on issues such as elder abuse, access to healthcare, home-based support, housing, pension adequacy, and the regulation of senior care facilities.
Minister for Health Cassanni Laville has previously emphasised that while family support remains central to Caribbean culture, modern social and economic pressures have weakened traditional systems, leaving many elderly Dominicans vulnerable. He said the time had come to create a clear framework for safeguarding their rights and ensuring access to consistent, dignified care.
Participants identified gaps in current laws, particularly the absence of formal registration and oversight of residential homes for the elderly. Social workers also raised concerns about elderly individuals living alone without regular welfare checks or support.
The Ministry plans to use the consultation’s findings to develop a comprehensive National Elder Care Policy, which will outline standards for care providers, integrate elder care into community health programming, and establish accountability mechanisms for mistreatment or neglect.
While Dr. Laura Esprit did not address the consultation directly, her role as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services positions her at the center of ongoing efforts to strengthen care systems for aging citizens. The Ministry is expected to guide future policy development in collaboration with other agencies and community stakeholders.
The consultation forms part of a wider initiative to integrate elder care into Dominica’s social protection and health frameworks, particularly as the country grapples with a rise in non-communicable diseases and growing demand for long-term support services.
Officials confirmed that additional consultations will take place in health districts around the island, with direct input from elderly citizens, caregivers, and service providers to ensure that national policy is grounded in lived experience and practical needs.
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