Abu dhabi: In collaboration with the Department of Community Development - Abu Dhabi (DCD), the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and PureHealth have introduced the Obtain Temporary Alternative Care for Senior Citizens service under the Barakatna initiative, launched by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
According to Emirates News Agency, the service is designed to enhance the role of adult children in the care of their elderly parents, improve the quality of life for senior citizens, and ensure they have access to safe social and healthcare services that support their psychological and social stability. Sheikha Mouza bint Khalifa Al Nahyan, Ambassador for Senior Citizens Programmes at PureHealth, expressed her commitment to leading efforts that support the wellbeing and inclusion of elders in society.
Abdulrahman Al Baloushi, Director of the Strategic Planning and Institutional Development Department at FDF, highlighted the benefits of the service, noting it offers respite for primary caregivers of elderly parents who require ongoing assistance. The service is provided once a week for up to eight hours per day, totaling 48 days annually. It is designed to alleviate daily caregiving responsibilities and support personal and social balance for caregivers.
Eligibility for the service requires both the applicant and the senior citizen to be UAE nationals with family data issued by Abu Dhabi emirate, residing permanently in the emirate. The applicant must be a first-degree relative, living with the senior citizen and fully responsible for their care. The senior must also require full-time assistance due to mobility challenges or an inability to perform daily tasks independently.
Wafa Mohammed Al Ali, Director of the Family Development Department at FDF, explained the registration process for the service. Applicants must submit a request via the TAMM platform, followed by a scheduled home visit for social assessment. Upon approval, the applicant can choose the service appointment date and time through the Abu Dhabi Government digital services platform, TAMM.
Leya Aldamani, Group Chief Sustainability Officer at PureHealth, emphasized the significance of the initiative during the Year of Community. She stated that the service represents a commitment to caring for elders with dignity, compassion, and respect, while also strengthening family ties and reinforcing the social fabric of the nation. The PureHeroes volunteering platform, in partnership with Emirates Foundation, empowers individuals to contribute to the wellbeing of senior citizens in meaningful ways.