DESK REVIEWS | 07.05.03. Are any of the following care products, equipment, and technologies available for free or partially subsidised for those with dementia?

DESK REVIEW | 07.05.03. Are any of the following care products, equipment, and technologies available for free or partially subsidised for those with dementia?

The government of Jamaica partners with International Non-Profit Organisations such as Free Wheelchair Mission and the Starkey Hearing Foundation to help provide free or partially subsidised assistive technology to vulnerable groups in Jamaica, including older persons and persons with dementia (JIS, 2019). Other NGOS like Food for the Poor also provide adult hygiene products and housing adjustments upon request in vulnerable groups in the areas in Jamaica which they serve (Food for the Poor, 2019).

References:

Food for the Poor. (2019). Food for the Poor website. Available from: https://www.foodforthepoorja.org

Jamaica Information Service (JIS). (2019). Hundreds in Western Jamaica Get Free Hearing Aids, 20 June 2019. Available from: https://jis.gov.jm/features/hundreds-in-western-jamaica-get-free-hearing-aids/

The State provides, maintains, and recycles assistive devices (walkers, wheelchairs, hearing aids) as well as adult hygiene products to people who need them; however, these are in short supply and rely heavily on donations and the purchase of new equipment (see https://www.westerncape.gov.za/service/assistive-devices). For older persons in general, these can be accessed via day-hospitals or State hospitals. With regards to housing adjustments, these can be hired or purchased from specialised service providers, for example see http://disabilityinfosa.co.za/mobility-impairments/assistive-devices-equipment/ for suggested providers and products.