Seniors advocate organisation Age Concern yesterday reacted positively to plans by Government to improve the lot of our elders.

Those plans include wellness clinics across the Island so seniors don't have to go too far from their neighbourhoods for care, and amending financial assistance regulations which penalise seniors for owning even a modest home.

Home owners who need it will be provided with free assessments of their homes to help them decide on modifications.

Government has also announced that regular health issues forums and workshops will take place with the seniors.

And a national monitoring system to maintain standards in senior care facilities will be established.

"We are reminded that recent research findings have indicated that there is a significant amount of seniors living in poverty.

"We are also reminded that the exorbitant cost of healthcare in Bermuda continues to marginalise and disadvantage those already marginalised seniors who need healthcare the most," a statement from Age Concern read.

"The board of directors of Age Concern Bermuda are pleased to be informed that the 'Social Agenda' includes the meeting of the needs of seniors with reference to residential monitoring and care, home assessments, education, information, wellness clinics and discussions on healthcare.

"In particular, the mention of the implementation of wellness clinics and home assessments is encouraging as they have been outstanding concerns for several decades. We believe that these initiatives are consistent with recent research findings that reveal a gap in services in these particular areas."

But the statement added: "We would hope that in addition to the promising initiatives mentioned today that further steps will be taken by the Government to address the issues of poverty and the overall affordability of healthcare for seniors as soon as possible.

"We look forward to working with the Government of Bermuda to undertake the non-partisan partnerships required to ensure that the 'Social Agenda' delivers tangible results in the not too distant future."

Health Minister Patrice Minors said yesterday that the health issues forums and the monitoring system could start as early as March next year, and the wellness clinics, an expansion of existing clinics, could be up and running by Februrary.