Aruba health and social care initiatives are moving forward across senior support, diabetes treatment, public-service delivery and addiction care, according to a portfolio presented in San Nicolas on October 12.
New support for older adults
Health and Social Affairs Minister Melvin Wyatt-Ras presented the projects during a gathering at Plaza Lolita. The plans include continued expansion of daytime programs and housing designed around older adults’ needs so they can remain active, socially connected and independent.
One concrete step is the opening of The Sunshine House in San Nicolas, the third daytime centre operated by Fundacion Centro Famia Piedra Plat. The ministry is also developing a help desk for older adults and their families, along with a reporting point for suspected mistreatment or neglect.
Coordinated diabetes care at ImSan
A multidisciplinary program at ImSan brings family doctors, specialists and other health professionals together to provide more coordinated and personalized diabetes care. Nutrition and lifestyle support are included, with the aim of improving control of the condition and preventing complications.
Social services move toward digital case tracking
The first phase of digitizing Aruba’s Department of Social Affairs will introduce a system to register information and follow requests involving financial assistance, social guidance, legal-aid support and family services. The stated goal is to simplify procedures, improve follow-up and make service more efficient for residents.
Specialized addiction facility in preparation
The ministry is also preparing a specialized institution for people with complex addiction problems, including people who also face mental-health conditions. Developed with the Ministry of Justice and health-sector partners, the plan includes a closed-care facility focused on treatment, recovery and reintegration into the community.
Other priorities outlined include a national mental-health and suicide-prevention plan, obesity prevention, domestic-violence prevention, support for people with disabilities, outreach to people who are difficult to reach, and preparation for detoxification and observation facilities.
Source: 24ora
