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    "id": 836493,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/836493/?format=api",
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    "content": "that should be the last resort. It, however, requires these community-based programmes to include economic empowerment. Many times, we assume that older persons of the society are not in need of any economic independence, and we want them to depend on the younger people. Mr. Speaker, Sir, it also provides for the delivery of spiritual, cultural, medical, civic and social services. It also provides for the promotion of health of older members of society through provision of nutritious food and basic health facilities; and promotion of their skills and capacity. We have seen a lot of decay where older persons are not respected in queues or in public transport. A long time ago, it used to be common sense that if one sees an older person, you give them way or your seat. You were supposed to enable them to come in front of the queue and assist them to cross the road. However, these days, the society has become competitive to a fault and everyone is just thinking about themselves and not the older persons of the society. Even as I say that, I know that it is great folly to try and legislate on matters of morality, but we must always remind this country and Kenyans that respect for older persons and the vulnerable in society is important. Mr. Speaker, Sir, it also provides that these home-based care programmes should be established by county governments and implemented with respect of older members of society who suffer from any form of physical or mental infirmity. I am grateful to Sen. Chebeni for bringing up the issue of mental health, which is a big problem in our country today. We have even seen the rate of suicide going up for those people do not know who else to talk to because of what the society has become. They cannot talk to neighbours or even relatives within the family. We need to be keen on that and ensure that every health facility in this country at least has some capacity or training on how to handle issues of mental infirmity. Mental infirmity is not just madness, because when we talk of mental infirmity, we think of taking people to Mathare Mental Hospital; no. There is depression that sets in because of economic issues or societal pressures. Our young people are competing on Instagram on who has the most beautiful photo or who went to the biggest party, and those things are causing a lot of depression. However, the one for older persons is for those who already suffer from these infirmities and to prevent them from getting into depression. It should also help those who might be unable to take care of themselves or those who do not have the social facility around them that can take care of them. It is also for those who are in need of skilled services, because there are certain ailments that set in at old age that require specialised care. Similarly, case management assistance with activities of daily living are important for those who are isolated and have no family members or caregivers. The county should provide these caregivers and training. It should also make sure that their normal medical facilities have the capacity and budget resources to take care of these older persons of the society. Mr. Speaker, Sir, Part IV of the Bill is clear about how to register these homes for older persons. It also has the procedures for making the applications and the system through which it should be adapted. It allows each county government to provide The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}