With Jamaica’s elderly population approaching 400,000; initiatives that promote the health, dignity and well-being of senior citizens are becoming increasingly important. But health minister Dr. Christopher Tufton acknowledged that gaps remain in the senior care sector that the Ministry of Health and Wellness cannot address on its own. He said that churches and other community organisations can help fill these gaps by reaching vulnerable older persons and providing support at the community level.
The Senior Caregiver Ministry at the Portmore Holiness Christian Church (PHCC) made a significant step towards filling this gap, by hosting its first Senior Care Symposium at the church’s Hellshire Road base on Saturday, October 17. Through the symposium, they shared the message that caring for the elderly is more than a responsibility; it is an expression of love, compassion and service to God.
The two-hour event brought together seniors, caregivers and representatives from several churches for discussions on elderly care, retirement planning and the importance of supporting Jamaica’s ageing population.
Participants heard from Professor Denise Eldemire-Shearer, a Jamaican physician, public health specialist and leading advocate for the rights and well-being of older persons.
Eldemire-Shearer addressed seniors and caregivers on providing appropriate care for elderly persons, highlighting the importance of understanding their needs and ensuring that those entrusted with their care are treated with compassion and dignity.
Also sharing her expertise was Dr. Kemisha Anderson, representing the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s welfare portfolio, who spoke on retirement from a financial perspective. Her presentation highlighted the importance of planning ahead to help individuals approach their later years with greater financial security and peace of mind.
For Deaconess Carmen Kennedy, president of the PHCC Senior Caregiver Ministry, the work is grounded in a Christian calling to love and serve others.
“The Symposium was planned as a means of providing seniors with the information needed to navigate the aging process successfully. The focus was on promoting a healthy lifestyle and planning for financial security in retirement,” Deaconess Kennedy said.
The Senior Caregiver Ministry operates as an arm of the church’s P.A.R.E.N.T. Programme, serving elderly persons, shut-ins and individuals in need within the congregation and surrounding communities. Under the oversight of Bishop Rev. Dr. Alvin Bailey, the ministry has a membership of 50 and an eight-member executive body, with Kennedy serving as president.
Its work is organised around three main areas: prayer and spiritual care, visitation and personal assistance, and hospitality and fellowship.
Prayer remains central to the ministry’s activities, with Scripture readings and prayers shared through WhatsApp three times weekly. Members also participate in scheduled fasting and prayer, while prayer partners provide one another with daily spiritual support.
The visitation team offers practical assistance to elderly and homebound individuals, including basic household upkeep, personal grooming, collecting prescribed medication and accompanying seniors to medical appointments. Where additional care is required, the team seeks assistance from nurses in the church’s Health Care Ministry.
The ministry also provides hot meals at the end of each month to elderly persons, shut-ins and others in need, while organising fellowship activities such as Christmas and Mother’s Day dinners, birthday celebrations and fundraising events.
The symposium was open to the public and attracted representatives from several congregations, including Open Bible Church, Vineyard Town Methodist Church and Bay Side New Testament Church, among others.
In addition to the educational presentations, elderly attendees benefited from free blood pressure checks and diabetes testing, adding a practical health component to the discussions.
For the Senior Caregiver Ministry, the gathering was an opportunity to extend its mission beyond the church congregation, encouraging greater awareness of the challenges facing older persons and the role communities can play in addressing their needs.