MoSD sets conditions to admit elderly citizens to care homes
Published: 08:05 AM,May 25,2025 | EDITED : 12:05 PM,May 25,2025
Muscat: The Ministry of Social Development (MOSD) issued a decision 2025/169 that sets guidelines for housing and admitting the elderly in welfare or care homes.
The regulations state that the applicant must be of Omani nationality, unable to meet his or her own needs or manage his or her daily affairs, and that he or she does not have a family, or that his or her family is unable to provide proper care.
The applicant must also be free of contagious diseases and severe mental disorders, according to a medical report approved by a government health institution. The Minister of Social Development may exempt any of these conditions, depending on the circumstances of each case and the results of a social investigation.
The decision allows elderly residents to leave the home and receive visitors as per the protocol prepared by the home, taking into account the privacy of residents and the requirements of safety and care.
The regulations allow volunteer activities or events for the elderly at the care home, provided the volunteer is fully qualified, of good conduct, and free of contagious diseases, according to a medical report issued by a government health institution.
Taking photographs of the elderly, publishing their photos, or any news related to them outside the scope of approved activities is prohibited unless formal written approval is obtained from the home's management.
The welfare or care home must is create a special e-file for each elderly person, which includes all documents and data related to them, including personal information, a photograph, copies of identification documents, in addition to a statement of his personal belongings and money - if any, Information about family members (if any) and their addresses,. Social research report and medical report on his condition and periodic follow-up reports, and individual care plans.
If an elderly person experiences a critical health condition or accident, the home must immediately notify a family member, if any. If contact is not possible and the elderly person's condition requires surgical intervention, the home will make the appropriate decision regarding medical intervention, while also informing the relevant administrative units within the ministry.
In the event of the death of an elderly person, the home will notify the Royal Oman Police and coordinate with them to transport the body to the nearest healthcare facility to prepare an official medical report on the cause of death, inform any family member whose name is included in the file to take burial procedures.
If the family is unable to do so, the home will undertake burial procedures within a period not exceeding 48 hours from the time of death.
The elderly person’s residence in the home ends if her or she submits a written request to leave once he proves his ability to support himself, family circumstances improve to allow him to live with the family, or they are provided a suitable alternative family to care.
The regulations state that the applicant must be of Omani nationality, unable to meet his or her own needs or manage his or her daily affairs, and that he or she does not have a family, or that his or her family is unable to provide proper care.
The applicant must also be free of contagious diseases and severe mental disorders, according to a medical report approved by a government health institution. The Minister of Social Development may exempt any of these conditions, depending on the circumstances of each case and the results of a social investigation.
The decision allows elderly residents to leave the home and receive visitors as per the protocol prepared by the home, taking into account the privacy of residents and the requirements of safety and care.
The regulations allow volunteer activities or events for the elderly at the care home, provided the volunteer is fully qualified, of good conduct, and free of contagious diseases, according to a medical report issued by a government health institution.
Taking photographs of the elderly, publishing their photos, or any news related to them outside the scope of approved activities is prohibited unless formal written approval is obtained from the home's management.
The welfare or care home must is create a special e-file for each elderly person, which includes all documents and data related to them, including personal information, a photograph, copies of identification documents, in addition to a statement of his personal belongings and money - if any, Information about family members (if any) and their addresses,. Social research report and medical report on his condition and periodic follow-up reports, and individual care plans.
If an elderly person experiences a critical health condition or accident, the home must immediately notify a family member, if any. If contact is not possible and the elderly person's condition requires surgical intervention, the home will make the appropriate decision regarding medical intervention, while also informing the relevant administrative units within the ministry.
In the event of the death of an elderly person, the home will notify the Royal Oman Police and coordinate with them to transport the body to the nearest healthcare facility to prepare an official medical report on the cause of death, inform any family member whose name is included in the file to take burial procedures.
If the family is unable to do so, the home will undertake burial procedures within a period not exceeding 48 hours from the time of death.
The elderly person’s residence in the home ends if her or she submits a written request to leave once he proves his ability to support himself, family circumstances improve to allow him to live with the family, or they are provided a suitable alternative family to care.