Our beloved elderly community - our man'amko' - are considered the treasures of our community, but what options are out there for our aging population to continue to live an independent life while still getting the care they need? It’s a critical topic discussed during this month’s Interagency on Homeless meeting.

“What are we going to do about the aging population and the obvious change in our family dynamics when there is a need for more assisted living facilities on Guam?” That’s the question posed by Department of Public Health and Social Services director, Therese Arriola, during her trip to Florida for the National Conference on Aging. “People are living longer and there are less babies being born because this generation is not having babies as much" she stated. "So, the aging population is there.”

Her concern rising as a new assisted living facility in tamuning nears completion - a step-down, 30-unit shelter aimed at decompressing social cases at both the Guam Memorial Hospital and Guam Regional Medical City. Arriola continued, “What are we going to do about the many who don’t have loved ones? Or have the capacity to take care of themselves even if they’re single and in a home?”

It’s a similar issue brought to light during a public hearing on Bill 31, back in February, legislation aimed at expanding assisted living options in Guam. Peter Alexcis Ada, who says he is currently working to establish an assisted living facility, highlighting the growing need in his testimony.

He said, “There are 19 patients at GMH and SNU that are ready to be discharged. I received an update that the number has now increased to 22. These people could have been discharged from GMH, but these patients do not have gave a place to be released to or have a place to go.”

Meanwhile, Arriola, during this month's Interagency on Homelessness and OHAPP meeting, urging the need for an executive order to address housing concerns for the aging population. At that same meeting, Division of Homelessness and Poverty Prevention director Rob San Agustin giving an update on the SAFE House pilot program (Shelter Assistance For the Elderly) focused on supporting patients ready for discharge who may otherwise face homelessness.

“This house is going to be a place to give them additional recovery time and then while they are there, we can get them connected to services and get some case management going on, and then also get them signed up for any housing programs they can," he said.

San Agustin adding this program will also serve disabled individuals.