Plans to galvanise laws protecting the elderly and vulnerable have been welcomed.

However, two leading figures representing Bermuda’s senior population have expressed disappointment that several more key issues were not brought to the table. In the coming year, the Bermuda Government aims to fix holes within the current legislative framework pertaining to elderly citizens and people with severe cognitive disabilities.

At present those who are mentally impaired — such as dementia and Alzheimer’s patients — do not have anyone to act on their behalf when there is no next of kin.

“As a result, they are vulnerable and unprotected, as no one is legally authorised to make decisions in their best interest, particularly in relation to medical and financial matters,” said Governor George Fergusson in yesterday’s Throne Speech.

Mr Fergusson added that the Government would look into establishing an “Office of the Public Guardian” role in such instances: bestowing legal responsibility on to an elected figure to represent those without mental capacity or family representatives.

At the opening of Parliament, the Government also announced its intent to fortify the Senior Abuse Register Act, which currently “lacks the authority to remove seniors from abusive situations or cases of neglect”.

Regulations for residential care homes and nursing homes will be modernised as part of the blueprint. Carol Everson, a welfare case worker for the Bermuda Legion, called for a Charter of Rights for senior citizens.

“While recognising the ministry’s role in improving the quality of life for vulnerable seniors, it’s important to note that establishing an Office of the Public Guardian is no substitute for doing everything possible to establish family and community links for a person in care,” Ms Everson, who deals with senior veterans on a daily basis, told The Royal Gazette.

“And the fact that there is a public guardian shouldn’t mean that charities, churches and other caring bodies shouldn’t be doing everything they can to assist the elderly, lonely and vulnerable.”

Claudette Fleming, the executive director of Age Concern, applauded the Government’s new initiatives.

“They have been specific in what they intend to address,” she said. “These aren’t things you can just make up overnight, which is evidence that thought was given to these initiatives.

“We welcome that — but it doesn’t necessarily align with what we see as the major issues coming from our membership which need to be addressed.

“They didn’t deal with the cost of health insurance premiums and they didn’t address age discrimination in the workplace and mandatory retirement. These are outstanding issues.”