Heat Policy Strengthens Protection for Older Adults in Nursing Homes
ORANJESTAD — On the International Day of Older Persons, the Ministry of Public Health, Social Affairs, Elder Care, and Addiction Care, together with the National Climate Resilience Council (NCRC), the Directorate of Elder Affairs (DOZ), and the Department of Public Health (DVG), officially introduced the new heat policy.
The International Day of Older Persons is celebrated annually on October 1 and highlights the well-being, dignity, and participation of older adults in society.
The heat policy aims to prevent the negative health and well-being impacts of heat on older adults and to help nursing homes prepare and take timely action during periods of intense heat.
Older adults are more vulnerable to the effects of heat. With aging, the body regulates temperature less effectively, while chronic conditions and the use of certain medications can increase the risk of health complications. Therefore, prevention and timely action are essential.
This policy is the result of a collaboration between DOZ, DVG, the Meteorological Department of Aruba (DMA), NCRC, the International Panel on Deltas and Coastal Areas (IPDC), the Impact Blue Foundation, and Climate Adaptation Services (CAS).
As part of the initiative, nursing homes will receive weather stations to measure temperature and humidity. Thanks to funding from IPDC, these stations are provided free of charge to the institutions, while the generated data is shared directly with DMA.
When the heat index reaches or exceeds the established limit for several consecutive days, DMA and DOZ will issue a warning to nursing homes so that the heat protocol can be activated.
To support care staff, informational materials have been developed outlining the symptoms of heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, alongside practical instructions for recognizing risks and taking prompt action.
For the Minister of Public Health, Social Affairs, Elder Care, and Addiction Care, Melvin Wyatt-Ras this measure is an important step toward further strengthening prevention and the quality of care, with the health, safety, and dignity of older adults as the central focus.
The heat policy is initially focused on nursing homes. The intention is to expand the policy in the future to other locations and public spaces visited by older adults.
With this initiative, the government and its various partners are laying a more structured foundation to protect the health, safety, and well-being of our older adults.