National Assistance Board
To be the leading social service agency providing quality care and services for elderly persons in Barbados in order to enhance their well-being and to promote interdependence
Mission
The mission of the National Assistance Board is to maintain the dignity of elderly persons in Barbados through the provision of an innovative range of social support and recreational services which are accessible, available and acceptable, thus enhancing their quality of life within their communities.
Services/Programmes
The National Assistance Board offers a variety of programmes and services to the elderly in the society in order to facilitate their inter-dependence and well-being within their communities.
Applicants or someone acting on their behalf can walk in or call the office to request assistance following which an assessment of the applicant’s circumstances is done.
Social Work Section
- The social work component is performed by a team of competent and professional staff who undertake the following duties:
- Prepare social case reports
- Conduct assessments
- Make home visits
- Conduct Intake
- Represent the National Assistance Board at lectures, town hall meetings and panel discussions
- Network with other social work agencies, NGOs, CBOs and members of civil society
- Investigate elder abuse cases
- Advocate on behalf of the Home Care recipients
- Supervise social work students from the University of the West Indies, Barbados Community College and the Open Campus
Home Care Programme
The Home Care Programme provides social support services designed to improve the quality of life for elderly persons living in the community.
The programme offers at home assistance to elderly persons with activities of daily living such as cleaning, cooking, washing, personal hygiene and limited shopping.
Application for the Home Care service can be obtained by contacting the National Assistance Board’s office or via the web application form https://seam.ly/Nclk1oX1
Vauxhall Senior Citizens' Village
The Vauxhall Senior Citizens’ Village provides shared accommodation for elderly persons who are capable of independent living but are unable to afford commercial rates or pay for a private service care facility.
The facility is designed to offer residential, day and recreational activities.
Potential residents must:
- Demonstrate that they are experiencing housing challenges
- Be classified as low income
- Be capable of self-care and be able to perform their activities of daily living
- Be in receipt of a pension/income for the maintenance of their accommodation
Lancaster House
This transitional facility accommodates elderly persons who have been made homeless due to fires, floods as well as other emergency or disaster situations.
Seniors Recreational Activities Programme
The Recreational Activities Programme, commenced in 1990 and was established to facilitate social integration and interaction among elderly persons through the provision of a range of structured activities and events.
As the programme expanded, its scope has broadened, and it is currently the agency’s main tool for ensuring the continued participation and engagement of elderly persons in social, economic, cultural, spiritual and civil affairs. There are nineteen (19) centres across the island.
The programme activities include physical exercise, lectures, workshops, seminars, presentations, social activities and crafts.
The facilities used include church halls, community centres and sports pavilions.
Application form: https://forms.office.com/r/0chxXxr5uA
Community Elder Care Programme
The Community Elder Care Programme commenced in March 2021. The programme was a response to the Covid-19 pandemic is intended to complement the Home Care Programme. Through this programme, companionship and stimulating activities for older persons in their homes in order to reduce loneliness and isolation.
The programme is a critical component in the continuum of services intended to keep older persons in their communities, thus reducing the need for institutional care.
Application form: https://seam.ly/wn4vJPKw
Jorris Dunner Elderly Day Care Centre
This Day Care Centre is designed to promote well-being and provide care and companionship for the elderly who live alone or need assistance or supervision during the day. It offers relief and respite to family members or caregivers. (Currently, this programme is not operational as the facility will be undergoing major renovations)
Shelter For Homeless Men
The Clyde Gollop Night Shelter for Homeless Men provides accommodation on a 24-hour basis. The Shelter also seeks to reintegrate occupants into society through rehabilitation.
National Assistance Board
Murrell House,
Country Road,
St. Michael,
Bridgetown, Barbados, 11082
Call (246)535-3131