Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 21, 2010 (SKNIS): Home Care Assistant Andrea Caines has indicated that as the observation of the month of the elderly comes to a close, her counterparts throughout the island are reminded of the very important role they play in boosting the spirits of senior citizens around St. Kitts.
 
She said, “not only is the observance a time of celebration for the elderly themselves but also for the workers who have the opportunity during October to bond and to inspire each other on occasions such as the dinner and dance.”
 
The Assistant admitted that while their task is challenging, it is also very inspiring when they have witness first hand the smiling faces and the expressions of delight from the elderly.
 
Ms. Caines spoke of the Elderly Assistance Programme which started some ten years ago, commending her coworkers for remaining committed. Ms Caines said when they started in 2000, they had no idea the level of devotion that would be required but she was pleased to be a significant contributor to the service sector.
 
She said, “We cut nails, fill prescriptions, give baths, lend a listening ear, go to the bank, clean… there is no end to what we do.” She encourages more people in the Federation to honour the elderly given that everyone is on the path to senior citizenship. Ms Caines suggested that the elderly be removed
     
from the back rooms and brought out to the front room tables to receive the love they deserve in the twilight of their lives and to share an invaluable legacy through passing down stories.