ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
In a commendable initiative that underscores the value placed on senior citizens within Abu Dhabi, the Department of Community Development (DCD), in cooperation with the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and PureHealth, has introduced a vital service: Obtain Temporary Alternative Care for Senior Citizens. This initiative is part of the broader Barakatna program, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which aims to enhance the lives of elderly residents in the emirate by ensuring they receive essential care and support.
The primary objective of this service is to fortify the role of family members in caring for their elderly loved ones. With an aging population, the importance of maintaining the physical and emotional health of senior citizens has become increasingly crucial. The Obtain Temporary Alternative Care service is designed to enhance the quality of life for these individuals, ensuring they have access to safe social and healthcare provisions that promote psychological and social stability.
Sheikha Mouza bint Khalifa Al Nahyan, who serves as the Ambassador for Senior Citizens Programs at PureHealth, expressed her commitment to community service. “My desire to give back to our senior citizens, who have played a vital role in shaping our identity, drives me,” she stated. Her leadership role in this initiative speaks volumes about the respect and importance attributed to the elderly within the community. She further emphasized that these actions aim not only to provide assistance but also to cultivate a culture of respect and communication across generations. It highlights the responsibility that younger generations hold in preserving this legacy of care.
His Excellency Abdulrahman Al Baloushi, Director of the Strategic Planning and Institutional Development Department at FDF, elaborated on the importance of the service: “The Obtain Temporary Alternative Care for Senior Citizens is a much-needed relief for primary caregivers who face the daily challenges of providing constant care to elderly parents.” The service is structured to provide caregivers with relief once a week for up to eight hours, amounting to a total of 48 days of care annually. This structured assistance can alleviate some of the emotional and physical burdens that caregivers often experience, allowing them to maintain a healthier work-life balance.
Essentially, participation in this program is limited to UAE nationals who hold family documentation issued by the Abu Dhabi emirate and are permanent residents. The eligibility criteria specify that applicants must be first-degree relatives—namely, sons or daughters—residing in the same household as the senior citizen requiring assistance. This ensures that the most immediate family members are engaged in the care process, reinforcing familial bonds while simultaneously uplifting the family unit.
Her Excellency Wafa Mohammed Al Ali, Director of the Family Development Department at FDF, outlined the application process for prospective recipients of this service. Interested parties must submit their requests through the TAMM platform. Following the submission, a scheduled home visit will be conducted for a comprehensive social assessment. Upon approval, the applicant can select their preferred date and time for the service through the Abu Dhabi Government digital services platform.
Highlighting the broader community implications of this initiative, Leya Aldamani, Group Chief Sustainability Officer at PureHealth, commented, “As we commemorate the Year of Community, we are proud to collaborate with the FDF and DCD to offer this service. Beyond mere support, this initiative reaffirms our commitment to ensuring that our elders are treated with dignity, compassion, and respect.” Aldamani emphasizes the importance of intergenerational connections, portraying them as a crucial part of the social fabric that holds the community together.
Through initiatives like the Obtain Temporary Alternative Care service, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi continues to demonstrate its commitment to enhancing the lives of its senior residents. This program not only represents a step forward in addressing the needs of the elderly population but also fosters a culture of care and respect within the community.
In conclusion, such initiatives are symbolic of a society that prioritizes the welfare of its most vulnerable members, embodying the values of unity, respect, and intergenerational care, which are essential for the social cohesion of the Emirati community.
Tags: #UAE #Bahrain #EconomyNews