Integrated care enhances quality of life for the elderly

AFRAH AL BALUSHI
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Social Development, joins countries around the world in celebrating the International Day of Older Persons, which falls on October 1 of each year. Efforts continue to develop an integrated system of programmes and services for the elderly, meeting their needs, protecting their rights, enhancing their quality of life, and ensuring their effective integration into family and society.
Radhia al Fahdi, Director of the Elderly Department at the Ministry of Social Development, emphasised that caring for the elderly is a priority in the ministry's policies. She noted that this care is not merely a service, but rather a human and social culture that must be instilled in young people from an early age.
Al Fahdi added that the ministry is working with educational institutions to implement the 'Awareness Bag' initiative. This initiative aims to instil values of respect and appreciation for the elderly in the early stages of education, building generations more aware of the rights and status of the elderly.
She added that the ministry provides a comprehensive package of services to support the elderly and their families. Most notably, the ministry prepares homes that suit their needs and ensure their safety and comfort. This is done through a cooperation agreement with the Ihsan Association to implement programmes that prepare homes for alternative families. The ministry also provides a package of social assistance to support these families and facilitate the fulfilment of the basic needs of the elderly. Additionally, they empower and train families in appropriate care methods and provide psychological and social support to ensure a supportive and safe environment. The total number of beneficiaries of various social services provided to the elderly and their families reached 2,800 during the first half of 2025, reflecting the extent of efforts made to enhance their quality of life and achieve their social well-being.
Embodying the values of respect and pride in the status of the elderly as a fundamental pillar of the Omani social fabric, the Ministry of Social Development has sought to provide services. One of the most prominent offerings is the Home Care Programme, implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Health. This programme provides a package of social and health services at the residence of the elderly, without requiring their transportation. The number of beneficiaries of the programme reached 1,499 during the first half of 2025.
To enable the elderly to live independently, the ministry provided 1,217 prosthetic and medical aid devices during the first half of 2025. These devices include wheelchairs, medical beds, hearing aids, and other tools that enable them to lead their daily lives with comfort and safety. The number of Omanis who received care within the framework of alternative families reached 105 cases until mid-2025. In contrast, the number of residents in the Social Care Home in Al Rustaq reached 35 residents until June 2025. The elderly receive integrated services at this home, including full accommodation, medical and psychological care, as well as cultural and recreational programmes.