More help promised for the elderly

The Balearic government plans to create 140 new places in day centres for the elderly before the end of the legislature. This was announced yesterday by Fernanda Caro, the social welfare minister, at the opening of a debate on the future of Europe for pensioners, organised to mark International Day of the Elderly. She said that 160 new places had already been created, and more home help was being provided. She admitted that there was a waiting list of 500 for places in homes which provide care for the elderly, but pointed out that at the start of the legislature, this figure had been 1'400. The debate was attended by 170 pensioners, who were shown a video on the future of Europe and invited to comment on it. They were also given questionaires to fill in. The debate ended with lunch and a concert.