(Diapers) and Carer’s allowance are being paid to eligible elderly. It is to be noted that
incontinence allowance has been doubled from Rs 400 to Rs 800 since 01 July 2019. They also
benefit from free Public Transport.
139. As at end of June 2019, there were 146 Centenarians who are each eligible to a monthly
Basic Retirement Pension of Rs 21,210 and Rs 1,180 benefit for the grant for the purchase of
medicine. – (An annual Budget of Rs 30 M under the Ministry of Social Security, National
Solidarity and Environment and Sustainable Development).
140. In view of the ageing population, Government is making necessary provision to meet the
increasing demand for the services of carers. A training programme in collaboration with MITD
regarding Training of Carers has been initiated where a first batch of 35 Carers would be completed
by Mid-March and for the second batch would be completed by May 2019.This training has been
carried out on a pilot basis. The purpose is to provide elderlies who are in need thereof with quality
care.
141. 20 Elderly Day Care Centres and 24 Health Clubs have been set up where adult literacy,
IT Literacy, Handicrafts and Embroidery classes, proper cooking methods and health programmes
are organized. The setting up of 2 additional elderly day care centres at Bambous and Chemin
Grenier are in the pipeline.
142. The Protection of the Elderly Persons Act was amended in 2016 to enhance the level of
protection and security of the elderly. 26 Elderly Watch Management Committees have been set
up all throughout the Republic of Mauritius and comprise elderly volunteers. Each Committee in
Mauritius consists of 10 volunteers while Rodrigues has 6 volunteers. They operate at grass root
level to promote the welfare of the elderly persons in their respective regions and identify and
report cases of elder abuse to the Welfare and Elderly Persons Protection Unit. The purpose of
these committees is to promote the welfare of elderly persons in the region under their jurisdiction
and endeavor to prevent acts of abuse on elderly persons and provide support where necessary.
143. Cases of Elder Abuse are reported to the Welfare and Elderly Persons Protection Unit
(WEPPU) of the Ministry of Social Security, National Solidarity and Environment and Sustainable
Development. From January 2018 to December 2018 around 1000 cases of Elder Abuse have been
reported. All the cases are being settled through mediation and family conferencing. Where it is
necessary, the elderly person is removed from the abusive home and placed in Homes registered
with the Residential Care Home, with his /her consent. If the elderly person does not wish to reside
in a Home, then action is taken to ensure that he/she can stay in his home without any future abuse.
144. It is to be noted that under the Code Civil Mauricien, any elderly who wishes to reclaim
his properties and wealth which he has already bequeathed to his heirs and is subject to abuse, can
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