Representatives from Age Concern England were thrilled with the organisations supporting seniors in Bermuda.

However they voiced their concerns at the lack of a "safety net" on issues such as medical care and pensions for the Island's elderly.

And, with rest homes viewed as "unsustainable", the main thrust should be keeping seniors independent in their own homes for as long as possible.

Age Concern England trustee and board member Sharon Brearley and international projects officer Jacqui Spradbery visited the Island for a few days this week to learn more about seniors in Bermuda, returning a visit from members of Age Concern Bermuda to England in January.

The tour was an action-packed three days, including visits to the National Office on Seniors, various rest homes around the Island, the Continuing Care Unit of the hospital, Age Concern stakeholders and organisations linked to Age Concern such as PALS and Meals on Wheels.

"There are lots of different things going on, the volunteer organisations are doing a lot of good work," Ms Spradbery said.

However, while seniors world-wide face problems such as loneliness and age discrimination, seniors in Bermuda are set apart by the lack of a safety net on issues such as medical care and a "modest but adequate" pension, Ms Brearley added.

Bermuda does appear to be on the right track in other areas, however ? namely a push to keep seniors independent and in their own homes for as soon as possible.

"(If standards of care are to be maintained) it is not sustainable to go into residential care indefinitely," Ms Brearley said. Instead, alternatives need to be examined ? such as giving seniors everything they need to stay at home.

That could include adaptations to their living situation, such as installing ramps or grab rails, or even moving to a one-storey house. "The whole housing thing is a challenge for us all," she said. "In England, Government has to take the lead in that."

Even when there is no alternative to residential care independence must be maintained, she said. "If you put someone in an institution they become institutionalised. You lose your independence, your confidence, your horizons diminish."

Little things, such as seniors having the facility to make a cup of tea for themselves, choose a meal option, and have a place to go to when they feel like being away from the group can go a long way towards keeping people healthy and individual, "not just seen as one group with the same designs and interests".

"We have seen a lot of great organisations," Ms Spradbery said.

"They will gain strength if they work together and have a common voice," Ms Brearley added. "It's great to see that developing."