Seniors Get Expanded Pension, Health, Home-Care Support
BASSETERRE — The Government says it is continuing to strengthen financial, health and home-care support for senior citizens, with Minister of Social Development and Gender Affairs, Youth Empowerment, Ageing and Disabilities Sen. Isalean Phillip outlining several initiatives Saturday at an event on retirement and ageing with dignity.
The event, titled “Legacy and New Beginnings: A Celebratory Moment,” was held at the Royal St. Kitts Hotel under the theme “Retiring with Purpose, Ageing with Dignity, Living the Golden Years.” It was hosted by the Prime Minister’s Office in collaboration with the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank.
Phillip highlighted measures she said are intended to provide greater financial stability and improve the quality of life for older residents, including Social Security increases that took effect in January 2024.
According to figures she presented, the minimum age pension for contributory pensioners rose from EC$430 to EC$500, an increase of just over 16 percent. The assistance pension for non-contributory pensioners increased from EC$255 to EC$350, a rise of more than 37 percent.
Phillip also pointed to a 40 percent increase in the Social Security funeral grant, which is now EC$3,500, to help families meet funeral expenses.
The minister said support for the elderly extends beyond financial assistance. She pointed to improvements and upgrades at the government-operated Cardin Home and Saddlers Home for the Elderly, which provide long-term care for seniors in need.
She also highlighted medical assistance available through the Department of Social Services, which she said provides financial help toward some of the costs of necessary medical treatment and prescription medication.
Home care was another major focus of her presentation. Phillip said 2026 marks 25 years of government-funded home care services for shut-in seniors in St. Kitts and Nevis. She said the service has been expanded since 2022, including an increase in the number of home care officers, additional training and changes to the scope of their work.
The minister presented the initiatives as part of the Government’s wider approach to supporting people as they age, with an emphasis on financial security, access to care and allowing seniors to maintain dignity and quality of life.
Saturday’s event also focused on preparing people for retirement as a new stage of life, while recognizing the contributions older citizens have made to the development of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Phillip said the various social protection, medical and home-care programmes form part of efforts to ensure older residents have access to the support they need throughout their retirement years.
