United Arab Emirates Introduces 'Barakatna' Program to Empower Elderly and Fortify Family Relationships
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a new initiative, Barakatna, to improve home care for senior citizens within family environments. This comprehensive program aims to provide a stable, healthy, and fulfilling life for the elderly, while easing the caregiving responsibilities of family members.
Since its inception in 1971, the UAE has been growing in its recognition and support for senior citizens. This commitment is evident in Federal Law No. 9 of 2019, which guarantees the rights of senior citizens, including independence, privacy, healthcare, housing, education, and protection from neglect or abuse.
Barakatna is a significant part of the UAE's ongoing efforts to support senior citizens, building upon initiatives like the National Policy for Senior Emiratis. This policy, which includes seven focus areas - healthcare, civic participation, infrastructure, financial stability, safety, social involvement, and future quality of life - reflects the UAE's dedication to the well-being of senior citizens.
Flexible work systems for caregivers are a key aspect of the Barakatna initiative. Caregivers of elderly parents in Abu Dhabi can now apply for flexible working arrangements, helping them balance their professional commitments with the responsibility of providing home care. This move aims to improve the efficiency and quality of home care through necessary regulations and support.
Barakatna also empowers family members, especially children, by providing them access to supportive systems. This aligns with the UAE's cultural emphasis on filial piety and family cohesion in elderly care. Caregivers who are primary supporters of senior family members can benefit from extended housing loan repayment periods (up to five years), providing financial relief that helps maintain stability while continuing to care for elderly relatives.
Personalized and accessible services for seniors are another crucial part of the initiative. Tailored services cater to the diverse needs of elderly men and women, with examples including the "Leen Babek" service for elderly women and improved mobility solutions like dedicated parking and priority service desks ("Golden Counter") for elderly men.
Holistic support and awareness are also integral to Barakatna. Awareness workshops help familiarise seniors with digital services, while ongoing direct support enhances their engagement with governmental services, improving their overall quality of life.
In conclusion, the Barakatna initiative is a comprehensive program focused on enhancing home care for senior citizens by supporting caregivers through flexible work policies, financial relief, personalized senior services, and empowerment of family roles in elderly care. This initiative reflects the UAE's ongoing commitment to integrating senior citizens into the social fabric, valuing their legacy while ensuring dignity, care, and inclusion.
- The UAE's new initiative, Barakatna, focuses on integration of senior citizens into the social fabric, committing to their dignity, care, and inclusion in the future.
- Barakatna's comprehensive approach aims to provide stable, healthy, and fulfilling lives for the elderly while easing caregiving responsibilities, contributing to the development of the community.
- The UAE's Federal Law No. 9 of 2019 ensures the rights of senior citizens, including healthcare, education, housing, privacy, and protection from neglect, setting policies and legislation for their well-being.
- Barakatna's aim to improve home care efficiency and quality is supported by the implementation of necessary regulations, coupling with service support for caregivers and senior citizens.
- Empowering family members, particularly children, is a priority for Barakatna, aligning with the UAE's cultural emphasis on filial piety and family cohesion, promoting the social environment.
- Flexible work systems in the UAE's Barakatna initiative allow caregivers to balance professional commitments and caregiving responsibilities, improving the quality of home care for senior citizens.
- Financial relief for primary caregivers, like extended housing loan repayment periods, is a key aspect of the Barakatna initiative, promoting a safe and stable home environment for elderly relatives.
- Tailored services for senior citizens in Barakatna include the "Leen Babek" service for elderly women and mobility solutions like dedicated parking and priority service desks ("Golden Counter") for elderly men, catering to the unique needs of men and women.
- Holistic support and awareness are essential components of the Barakatna initiative, with workshops on digital services and ongoing direct support to enhance senior citizens' engagement with governmental services, addressing the environment and future quality of life.
- In the realm of general news and policy-and-legislation discussions, the Barakatna initiative signifies a significant step forward in addressing accident prevention (car accidents, fires) and crime-and-justice concerns related to senior citizens, aiming towards a safer society for all.
