Association urges action on elder care, homes and support

The Elderly Rights and Mental Health Association has urged state and government officials to turn commitments to older people into practical measures, including progress on care homes, legislation and income support.

In a message issued on 1 October, the association said the needs of older people should not be deferred and called for care services to be addressed without delay. The statement was reported by Halkın Sesi and Yenidüzen.

Among its requests was the reconstruction of the Lapta State Nursing Home, which the association said was destroyed in 2011. It also called for the Sınırüstü Care Home, which it said has been closed since 2022, to reopen.

The association urged the enactment of the Special Care Homes and Nursing Homes Bill, which it said has remained on the Republic’s Assembly agenda since 2023. It also called for the Home Care Draft Law to enter into force, including a requirement for training for people providing home care.

On financial support, the group requested that people aged over 60 who receive disability or poverty allowances have their incomes raised to the minimum-wage level.

It further called for a National Ageing Policy and Action Plan, alongside day-care and living centres for older people in every region of North Cyprus.

The association said it was seeking implementation rather than promises or messages of support from public authorities.