Day Care Centres

 A.     Background

 In May 2001, the Ministry of Social Security, National Solidarity & Senior Citizen Welfare and Reform Institutions launched a comprehensive National Policy on the Elderly.  This policy document laid much emphasis on "Ageing with dignity" and emphasized strong concepts such as Welfare, Equity and Empowerment of Senior Citizens.  

Under the chapter of Social Welfare and Leisure, one of the recommendations in the document is the setting up of Day Care Centres (DCCs) for the Elderly.  As a result of this recommendation, much effort has been put into place by the Ministry to open up these facilities for the Elderly. 

 B.         Sites

Day Care Centres have already been set up at   

 Objectives of Day Care Centres

             The DCCs are important focal points used:

  To create an appropriate space for recreational/leisure/informative and educational activities for the Elderly

  To help integrate the elderlies in society through group interactions and social functions

  To help break down the tendency towards isolation by the elderlies  themselves by involving them in healthy activities that will keep them busy and ultimately "add life to their years"

  To create a forum for exchange and sharing of experiences and ideas between elderlies and other age-groups including youth through the organization of inter-generational activities.

  To use existing equipment/facilities for the promotion of physical exercise  
 and fitness.

  Target Group

The main beneficiaries/participants in the activities of the DCCs are in majority Elderlies aged 55+ within the catchment area of respective DCCs.  However, inter-centre/ inter-region activities are frequently organized to extend the network of the Elderlies and involve them in activities at different levels.

 Opening hours

The Day care Centres are operational on weekdays from 9.00 a.m to 15.30 p.m and on Saturdays from 9.00 a.m to Noon.  They are also operational on Sundays and Public Holidays whenever special activities and programmes are scheduled.   

 At Present

The following activities have been identified and implemented at the DCCs:  

   (i)  Empowerment Sessions:

        (a)  Sensitization Campaigns on various issues such as 
               Art-of-Living, Nutrition, Health, Crime Prevention, Road Safety, 
               Surendettement/Casseurs etc 

        (b) setting up of Community-based support groups for the Elderly  
              which are a pool of Voluntary Social Workers/Community Leaders and    
              Elderly Persons themselves who visit/bring physical and psychological   
              support to the bed-ridden

     (ii)   Adult Education:  

       (a)  Do-It Yourself Sessions

                 (b)  Consumer Protection

                 (c)  Health, Safety & Protection Sessions

     (d) Keep Fit

      (e) Literary & Numeracy Skills - "Sign Your Name & read numbers" programmes      

(iii)       Health & Quality of Life

(a)    Health and Nutrition Clubs

(b)   Regular Medical Check-up sessions

(d)    Physical Activity for Elderlies and Keep-Fit Equipment, Tai Chi Sessions, walk-for-health programmes

(e)    Diabetes Satellite to sensitize on Diabetes and its related complications in collaboration with Mauritius Diabetes Association

(f)   Positive Thinking/Healthy Living/Relaxation Exercises

(g)  Consumer Awareness and Balanced Diet

(iv)  Recreational Activities/Sports & Games/Cultural Programmes:         

  (a) Games and sports activities

            (b) Indoor Game Tournaments & Fun Games

            (c) Inter-Generational Activities

            (d) Inter-Centre/Inter-Regional Activities

(e) Religious Activities

(f) Moral and Spiritual Values

(g) Organisation of Drama/Sketches

(i) Story-telling/experience-sharing with youth 

  Special Activities

• Inter centre Activities:  Exchange programmes (visits to other Senior Citizens Associatons)

• Stay at Pte aux Sables Recreation Centre

• Creativity Activities:  Crafts Course in Greeting Cards, Doll Making, Flower Arrangement

• Laughing sessions

• Social:  lunch, info/educational tours, end of year party

• Basic Counselling Sessions (Etre à l'écoute)

The DCCs enable increased networking between different Senior Citizen Associations and  help in the consolidation of communcation, contacts and activities.