The CDS today reaffirmed its proposal, to “convert the Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital into a support unit for the elderly, when the new Hospital da Madeira becomes operational. This they say, is a commonsense solution, as many abandoned schools on the island have been transformed into day centres, night shelters, and small homes.”
The measures presented by the party in a press release aim to respond to Madeira’s aging population, which they identify as the greatest and most demanding challenge of Madeiran society, today and in the future.”
“We already have 172 people over 65 for every 100 young people. birth rates are dropping and we are living longer. This situation needs measures, not only to help and assist the elderly, but also to encourage families to have children. (A recent study showed that 5% of Madeiran women regretted having a family as the strain of working, family, and looking after the home was getting too much for them).
Currently, there are more than 1,000 people on the waiting list to enter an NHS nursing home, while a third of the adult wards are taken up elderly patients who need nursing home care.
The party believe that investment in the elderly is paramount and that more initiatives that favour active and healthy aging.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
