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Bermuda's Senior Citizens

Despite world's highest GDP and GNI per capita, elderly don't fare well compared to less wealthy countries

By Keith Archibald Forbes (see About Us) exclusively for Bermuda Online

When referring to this particular web file, please use "bermuda-online.org/seniorcitizens.htm" as your Subject.

Bermuda may be only 21 square miles in total land area, an extremely small part of the world in geographic measurement but is so affluent that the World Bank has reported Bermuda as the most affluent country in the world with Gross National Product (GNP) and Gross National Income (GNI) of more than US$ 91,935 in 2007. Thus the World Bank has rated Bermuda #1 in the world in Gross National Product (GDP), GNI, far exceeding other offshore centres like Luxembourg, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland, the USA, Canada, UK, etc.

In Luxembourg, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland, their seniors live in comfort and dignity, with concern, compassion and funding.  Sadly, Bermuda seniors get merely a small fraction of the social security pensions and other benefits and services of Luxembourg, Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, the USA, Canada, United Kingdom and rest of Europe.  The countries mentioned above spend money on their senior citizens to give them an adequate comfort zone in later life.  Bermuda, in comparison, spends far more on its government than it does on its senior citizens. Bermuda's seniors who are not rich, not earning an average income of over $60,000 a year or a decent pension, and don't own their own homes (more than 43%) are appallingly badly off compared to seniors in less affluent countries who are looked after far better by their governments.

In August 2004 an extensive survey was funded by Bermuda-based Atlantic Philanthropies Limited, and resulted in the report "Ageing in Bermuda: Meeting the Needs of Seniors" by Dr. Irene A. Gutheil and Dr. Roslyn H. Chernesky of Fordham University. It was in response to needs that have not been met by the Bermuda Government, or Bermuda private sector or any organization in Bermuda to date.

In December 2006 the Bermuda Council on Ageing (BCA) was formed.

On December 5, 2008 The Royal Gazette, Bermuda's only daily newspaper, reported on the first survey, the poverty and medical plight, of the Island's seniors to be done by Bermudians and for Bermudians. It was released during a joint press conference with the Department of Statistics, Age Concern, the Ministry of Social Rehabilitation and the National Office for the Seniors and Physically Challenged. Started in November 2007, the survey visited 875 households. The surveyors of the STATS study however, indicate the income numbers noted below should be muted by the fact that many seniors own their homes. In the study they state that: "While these income levels may seem low, this does not mean that Bermuda's seniors are living at or below the poverty level. As we shall learn in other sections some 54 percent of seniors owned their own home outright. In addition just six percent report that they had to sacrifice food in order to pay a bill and nearly three-quarters (73 percent) stated that they could afford all of the health services that they needed."

In the House of Assembly, Minister of Social Rehabilitation Dale Butler said the survey was helpful but the income levels were something to be concerned about. He said: "The survey indicates that although for the most part seniors are doing well, there are some very real issues facing them. "Perhaps of most concern is the high number (78 percent) that are suffering from a medical condition and a similar number (80 percent) who are on medication as a result of that condition. Of equal concern is the 36 percent of seniors who are living on an annual income of less than $25,000. These are the seniors who need our assistance the most."

However, Shadow Health Minister Louise Jackson said Minister Butler was focusing on the positive rather than trying to fully understand the plight of seniors. She pointed to the fact that the report states that "nearly half" of seniors were satisfied with medical care, while the flip side is that in fact more than half are not satisfied. She said: "The key to focusing on these seniors is to understand their plight, so that dialogue and work can be directed toward solutions. That is what a caring Government should be about: Bringing the sharpest focus to bear on people who need help. To do that you need to make sure the public understands the problem, and in that regard this morning's statement by the minister is a missed opportunity."

Among those surveyed, they felt that medical insurance and affordable door-to-door transportation access needed to be provided by the Government. Providing comprehensive medical coverage was promised by Government by next year in the form of FutureCare and according to Mr. Butler a transportation plan will also be introduced in the new year. Claudette Fleming, the Executive Director of Age Concern, raised further recommendations in the report such as a possibility of reverse mortgages to help seniors pay for long-term care and ensuring the subsidised transportation cost no more than $4. Other issues she said were raised in the study include that the majority of seniors expect their children to care for them when they can no longer provide for themselves. This she said could cause problems when families are also struggling with raising their children and affording college education.

Findings included: 

When is a senior not a senior? In Europe - including UK, Ireland and all other EEC countries, it is 60. In Bermuda, it is 65 for both women and men and unless one is disabled, one cannot get a Special Persons ID card (the local equivalent of a Senior Citizens Card or Old Age Pensioners' Card) until you are 65.

Unlike in the UK, USA, Canada and Europe, where special low or "concessionary" fares or admission prices apply on application to senior citizens irrespective of where in the world visitors may be from, on all forms of public transport and both public sector and private sector attractions, there are no such concessions made in Bermuda to visiting senior citizens. For example, in Bermuda, seniors who are residents and have a Special Persons Card can travel free on buses (not equipped for wheelchair users) and ferries - but not visitors who seniors. 

Seniors have paid taxes all their lives.  Many depend solely on their local Social Security.  In contrast, all Government employees, are covered under The Pensions (Public Service Superannuation) Act 1981, provisions of which include generous pensions for all current and retired Government employees who include police officers and public-school teachers.

There is no equivalent in Bermuda, in types of services offered to senior citizens and the disabled, of Age Concern in the United Kingdom and Spain, or AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) in the USA. (There is a local Age Concern entity, very concerned about the plight of seniors, but operating on a different basis, as shown below). 

What local senior citizens get free from the Bermuda Government

If over 65 and resident in Bermuda

• Exemption from Land Tax (introduced by the present Progressive Labour Party (PLP) government on January 1, 2005) for Bermudian senior citizen owners of real estate who apply for it, with no means testing. (Generous compared to the UK, where homeowners over 60 do not get the same tax benefit). In February 2012 this benefit was withdrawn nfor the more affluent who have homes at a higher rate of Annual Rentable Value (ARV) than $50,000, meaning worth over £1 million.
• Free local bus and local ferry travel, if locals have a Special Persons ID. For Senior Citizens/Disabled who can use a bus, free passes are available to Local Residents only with a Special Persons Card. Seniors from abroad without such a card must pay full price. Unlike in the UK, there are no similar concessionary fares for a companion, who may be younger, of someone elderly or disabled/physically handicapped.
• Free motor vehicle licensing. For those who own their own cars. A good benefit for those who do, with no means testing. A far better system than in the UK where only those who qualify through severe disability or as war pensioners get this. However, as there is clear evidence this concession has been abused by younger folk who beneficially own the vehicles but put them in the name of a senior citizens, from February 2012 this benefit was reduced and now covers only smaller cars, up to and including licensing Band D.
• Social Security. Persons on the basic contributory pension plan, more than one in six of the population, receive an average of $982 per month from 16 August 2011. Pensioners with maximum coverage saw their monthly payments increase from $1,385 a month. 74% of the persons currently receiving benefits under the Act receive the basic contributory pension. Approximately 47 percent of the 9,611 seniors covered by the Contributory Pension Fund receive the maximum pension benefit. Those who retired before they achieved the maximum amount do not get this. Those who did not earn enough Social Insurance contributions to qualify for a minimum Social Insurance pension get no Social Insurance pension at all, merely a one-time refund of their contributions.

What they have to pay heavily for, from the Bermuda Government

FutureCare (see below) at a very significant cost per month per senior.

What they don't get from the Bermuda Government

• Only in Bermuda, not in the UK or in any other country overseas, persons aged between 65-74 years who drive and have Bermuda Driver's Licences require a medical and competency certificate every third year and those 75 years or older require an annual medical and competency certificate..  
• Although the World Bank has rated Bermuda as the world's most affluent country by far since 2005 in gross national income and per capita income, Bermuda's seniors don't get any free hospitalization, free major medical and free prescriptions.

Age Concern Bermuda

See list below of organizations. Not affiliated with or a part of the Age Concern organizations in the UK and not offering the same services. 

Banking

On application and with appropriate verification such as a Special Persons ID, Bermuda-resident seniors get special banking services and discounts - mentioned as such in the Seniors Handbook issued by the National Office for Seniors and the Physically Challenged (NOSPC). Contact Bank of Bermuda, Head Office, Front Street, Hamilton HM 11, phone 295-4000, fax 295-7093) for seniors over 65  and Bank of N. T. Butterfield, Head Office, 65 Front Street, Hamilton HM 12, phone 295-1111, fax 295-0656, for seniors over 60. Benefits, depending on bank, may include:

• a discount on checking account fees. 
• Accounts with $50 or more do not receive a monthly fee
• ten (10) free checks in Bermuda or US$
• a discount on draft fees
• no fees for foreign check clearing
• senior bank officers to help with banking needs
• direct deposit of pensions into an account.

Caregivers (carers in the UK)

Unlike the United Kingdom, caregivers currently have no protection under any legislation in Bermuda. Nor are they paid anything by the Bermuda Government, unlike in the UK. In 1999 the UK Government announced its National Strategy for Carers, which aimed to enhance the quality of life of caregivers. Since this strategy, England and Wales have passed the Carers and Disabled Children Act (2000). Similar legislation should be introduced in Bermuda. Without it, caregivers risk becoming the next generation of aged poor. No study has ever been done to date in Bermuda on the hidden cost of caregiving (caring). Employers are probably losing millions of dollars as more than 60 percent of the local workforce is caring for elderly relatives at home. This means that companies are dealing with partial and full employee absenteeism; the cost of replacing employees who decide to give up their jobs (and health benefits) to care for their ageing relatives full-time; lost productivity through workday interruptions and greater use of health care services. Not surprisingly the responsibility of caring for ageing relatives also appears to fall on the island's female population, many of whom are already caring for young children and up to 46 percent of these caregivers are feeling the financial strain. Even if only 20 percent of Bermuda's estimated 10,000 seniors are in need of some form of caregiving, this translates into about 2,000 caregivers, many of whom are in paid employment. Addressing these outstanding issues surrounding the island's seniors will also result, over the long run, in reduced healthcare costs, the need for extended periods of institutional care, and the overall costs that a growing dependency ratio will impose on the workforce, reduced stress and improved health of family caregivers and their family members.

It is estimated that perhaps 8% of locals, or 5,120, provide the care so vital to helping the approximately 15% of the people of Bermuda who are senior citizens or disabled remain in their homes and community settings. One reason may be that because of the huge prices of local housing and services, space for inactive seniors who cannot pay their way is at a premium in a particularly materialistic society of only 21 square miles where demand is vastly more than supply and rents to non-family members can bring in enough income to more than pay a monthly mortgage or provide much-needed income to a senior citizen. Another reason may be that unlike in the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland and much of Europe, where senior citizen mothers, mothers, brothers and sisters who live full-time with their children or siblings may be deemed to be dependants for personal income tax purposes of their children and can be claimed in certain circumstances as tax exemptions or tax allowances by their immediate children, no such benefits exist in Bermuda. Nor do any tax benefits exist in Bermuda for senior citizens who need to modify their homes to cater to the needs of ambulatory-disabled feeble or wheelchair-bound disabled.

Cost of Living

Overall, as can be seen in the website and listing above and below, the cost of living in Bermuda for seniors is 380% higher than in the USA and 280% higher than in Canada and the UK. For many local seniors, fresh meats, fruits and vegetables are completely unaffordable. 

Customs exemption for returning residents 

Nominal in Bermuda, see http://www.bermuda-online.org/Bermudadutyfree.htm.

Discounts for some shopping

Bermudian and Bermuda-resident retirees over the age of 65 and disabled/physically challenged persons who are younger, can sometimes obtain a discount on a purchase, on production of a Special Persons Permit. 

Driver's licenses renewals

Unlike in UK, Canada and USA where this is not a requirement, all seniors over 65 require a Certificate of Competency from their doctor to renew their licenses. In the UK, etc. one can go up to 70 years before any age-related restriction on license renewals

Employment Equality (Age) Regulations

No equivalent in Bermuda to the UK's regulations which from October 1, 2006 made it illegal for employers to discriminate against employees, trainees or job seekers because of their age. They  ensure that all workers, regardless of age, have the same rights in terms of training and promotion. 

Financial assistance

At this time, the Bermuda Financial Assistance Act is useless to the majority of seniors and the permanently disabled who own property or part of a property or have some form of income. If you own or co-own or are a part-owner of a car, any property, any insurance, any monetary asset, you are deemed ineligible. Other countries - like the USA, Canada and UK - are far more generous to their seniors.

FutureCare (replaces Basic Hospital Insurance Plan - HIP) for seniors

See www.bhec.bm/public/docs/FC%20FAQ%2004- 09.pdf. 

Hospital Insurance Plan - see www.hip.gov.bm. 

For a comparison of costs in USA see under Medicare at http://www.medicare.gov/cost/. 

Operated by the Bermuda Government under the Hospital  Insurance Act 1970, funded by the government's Health Insurance Fund (HIF) and government's Mutual Reinsurance Fund (MRF), overseen by the Hospital Insurance Commission and administered by the Social Insurance Department, Government Administration Building, 30 Parliament Street, Hamilton HM 12. Phone 295-5151 extension 1146, 1130 or 1137.

Among Bermuda's 16,000+ seniors only approximately 3,000 have been financially able and willing to join FutureCare, while others prefer the cheaper and more basic Government Health Insurance Plan (HIP) if they have not remained after retirement on on their private major medical employer-provided or had any continuing private coverage. 

Land Tax Exemptions 

Seniors over 65 who are Bermudian, resident locally and are owners/occupiers of property, get some or all Land Tax exempted, depending on their valuation.

Local transportation

Free to local seniors (over 65). 

• Buses and ferries. Local (resident and registered) seniors over 65 and disabled/physically challenged persons who are younger and physically able to board buses (not equipped for the disabled in a wheelchair). These qualified seniors can ride buses and ferries free of charge, on production of a Special Persons Permit. But visitors to Bermuda over 65 or disabled pay regular fares.
• Free annual licensing of private cars. Same criteria applies. A benefit not offered in the UK to seniors not on the Disability Living Allowance at the Higher Rate or similar.

Long Term Health Care Insurance

None. Some seniors have spent thousands of dollars out of their own funds for heart surgery in the USA because there is no coverage for this under HIP in Bermuda and if they had major medical benefits at all through their employers when they were employed, it stopped when they retired. In the meantime, local seniors are covered, without cost, for some non Major Medical needs, nowhere near equivalent to what non-affluent citizens in the USA receive as Medicare or Medicaid. Neither the limited free local medical benefits nor the HIP plan cover visits to the doctor or prescriptions. In  comparison, in Canada, generous provisions apply to seniors for health services, with very little wait time. In the UK and Ireland, seniors who need hospital and medical services of a non-elective nature are also included in a National Health Service as part of the taxes they pay for emergency treatment but may have to endure a lengthy waiting list for elective treatment (unless they live in a rural area with an under-utilized hospital that can cater to their needs) and don't have supplementary private-sector hospital and medical insurance. In the USA, Congress enacted in 2002 legislation providing tax relief for buyers of long term care insurance and family caregivers. No such tax relief exists in Bermuda for insured or caregivers. No insurance company in Bermuda presently offers Long Term Health Care Insurance. Bermuda does not allow exempted (international) but Bermuda-based long term health insurers to enter the local market.

Ministry of Health & Family Services

The Bermuda Government ministry with responsibility for health and welfare for all including seniors and disabled. Its mission is to promote and maintain the physical, mental and social well-being of the 64,300 permanent residents of Bermuda in its 21 square miles of land area. 

National Pension Scheme Act and corporate Pension plans 

See the Bermuda Government's The Pension Commission, at http://www.pensioncommission.bm/. Not Social Security (see separately), but private pension plans. The National Pension Scheme Act 1999 became effective on 1st January 2000. All employers, whether local or international or exempted must comply, for every employee whether Bermudian or a non-Bermudian spouse of a Bermudian of from 23 years of age who works a minimum of 720 hours per calendar year. Employers may, however, offer more generous eligibility provisions to employees by allowing them to become members of their pension plan at an earlier age and with fewer numbers of hours worked. While 65 for men and women is when those eligible in Bermuda will get Social Security, private pension plans can be more generous and in lesser age as well. Note that the Act specifies private pensions only for Bermudian and international or exempted company employers employing Bermudians or non-Bermudian spouses of Bermudians. There is no requirement to establish pension plans for guest workers, which may come as a shock to the latter. Non-Bermudian employees should ask local and international companies and or the Bermuda Government employing them what, if anything, they offer as private pension plans or equivalent, so they know where they stand and what they can expect to take with them when they leave Bermuda.

For those who qualify under the Act for pension eligibility, the pension scheme (plan) can be offered only by approved local insurance companies, not the "exempted" or "international" variety registered in Bermuda but not "corporate citizens" as they are often referred to, inaccurately.  

The Act removed many of the anomalies and restrictions that since the 1970s for "approved private pension plans" had existed in some with 15 or more years service but had severely restricted or totally excluded others, for example all those with say 12 years service with the same employer by retirement age. The current Act creates some portability for plans of all employers and employees. But for some people close to retirement age when it came into effect, it was far too late to ensure that once they become senior citizens and retire from working, they will have an adequate income without hardship. 

Minimum contribution rates are based on pensionable earnings per year.  At January 14, 2012 Approved Pension Plan Administrators under the Act were:

• BF&M Life Insurance Company Ltd.

• Bermuda Life Insurance Company Ltd (Argus).

• Bermuda Investment Advisory Services Ltd.

• Colonial Pension Services Ltd.

• Freisenbruch-Meyer Insurance Services Ltd.

• Cooper Young & Associates Ltd.

Pensions

See under "National Pension Scheme" and "Social Security."

Real Estate

Some elderly Bermudians are selling their homes because they cannot afford to live in them and have no other options such as considering reverse mortgages in the USA. A reverse mortgage in the USA is a way to get money out of your home without having to leave it. It is a loan against the equity built up in the home that is repaid with interest when the owner dies or leaves or sells the property. In the USA, homeowners must be 62 or older and on the main residence only. There is no equivalent of a reverse mortgage in Bermuda.

There is a chronic shortage of affordable integrated-care premises for seniors who do not but can live independently without assistance and those who need assisted living arrangements. Costs are expensive. Many locals cannot afford them and may live in very inadequate conditions. Most seniors prefer to be independent for as long as possible. The concept of  an extended family having live-in matriarchs and patriarchs being honored in their declining years has disappeared in Bermuda. Some spouses, unable to look after their husbands or wives, have put them into care or retirement homes if they can afford it. 

Residential and day-care homes and nursing homes for the elderly include:

• Agape House (Bermuda Hospice). 7 Point Finger Road, Paget DV 04. P. O. Box HM 1023. Telephone (441) 239-2025.
• Bendicion. 2 Spire View Lane, Sandys MA 05. Tel: 234-2767.
• Devonshire Rest Home. 3 Long Range Hill, Devonshire DV 05. Phone 292-1378. Fax 296-1182. 
• Easter Lily Residential Home. Callen Glen, 194 North Shore Rd, Hamilton Parish CR 04. Tel: 293-5818, 505-0979 or 504-8889. 
• Elder Home Care. 3 North Ridge Crescent, Devonshire DV 05. Tel: 296-0887 Fax: 292-2684.
• Herb Garden Seniors Residence. 35 St. Anne's Road, Southampton SN 01. P. O. Box SN 192, SN BX. Phone 238-5430.
• King Edward VII Memorial Hospital Alzheimer and Related Disease Unit (ARDU).  7 Point Finger Rd., Paget DV 04 Tel: 239-2020.  Call Hospital Credit Department for monthly fees.
• King Edward VII Memorial Hospital's Continuing Care Unit (CCU). Tel: 236- 2345. Upper Ext. 1435, Lower Ext. 1487. Day Care, Daily Residential, Respite Care. Call for terms. 
• Lefroy House. Geriatric Unit. 7 Lagoon Toad, Ireland Island, Sandys MA 01. Phone 234-0525. Fax 234-2152. Registered charity 393. On the site of the former Royal Navy Dockyard shore-based hospital. 56 beds. 
• Matilda Smith Williams Home. 3 Kent Avenue, Devonshire DV 07. Phone 236-2958. Fax 236-3552. Adult day care center for seniors and retirement home.
• Mon Reve. 14 Sound View Road, Somerset MA 06. Phone 234-2242. 
• Monte Cristo Gardens. Phone 234-4125. Day care and activities for seniors.
• Packwood Home. 132 Somerset Road, Sandys MA 06. P. O. Box MA 75, Somerset MA BX. Phone 234-1459. Fax 234-2772. 
• Pleasantville. 32 Point Finger Rd., Paget DV 04. Tel: 232-5468 • Fax: 293-8129. 
• Pembroke Senior Day Center. P. O. Box HM 476, Hamilton HM CX.
• Sandys Rest Home. With a $1.2 million renovation in 2008, for elderly for mentally challenged adults. Houses residents cared for by Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute (MAWI) staff. Preference given to Sandys residents over 55.
• Sunny Vale. 9 St. Michaels Rd., Paget DV 04. Tel: 236-1080. 

• Serenity Gardens Nursing Home, on Glenwood Park Lane, Warwick.

• Sunset View. 5 Lighthouse Rd, Southampton SN 03. Tel: 238-8656.
• Swan Chateau. Talavera Lane, St. George's GE 01. Tel: 297-8496.
• Sylvia Richardson Care Facility. 4 Old Military Rd., St. George’s GE 03. Tel: 298-8700 • Fax: 298-8701. A Bermuda Government facility. Built in 2006 and opened in January 2007 at taxpayers' cost of $20 million to replace the St. George's Parish Rest Home, after the Ministry of Health commissioned a report over long-term care facility needs in Bermuda. 43 beds, assisted living apartments, chapel, library with computer, dental care, more.  The cost of care will depend upon the required category of care. For a detailed breakdown of fees, please contact the Administrator.

Sylvia Richardson Care Facility January 2007. Photo by Chris Burville copyright The Royal Gazette

• Twilight. Monkey Hole Lane, Evans Bay Rd, Southampton SB 02. Tel: 234-0721. 
• Warwick Rest Home.  4 Lorraine Dr., Warwick WK 05. Tel: 236-5152 • Fax: 238-6038. 
• Westmeath Rest and Nursing Care Home. 28 Pitt's Bay Road, Pembroke HM 06. Phone 296-7432, fax 295-9881. 
• Yellow Roses. 11 Cove Valley, St. David's, DD 01. Tel: 297-2966.

Social security

In Bermuda, this means solely a senior citizens' pension from the Bermuda Government in direct proportion to the premiums paid in by an employee and employer, not the multitude of other provisions included in the Social Security provisions of the USA. In Bermuda, there is a compulsory contributory pensions plan administered by the Government for all employees of private sector employers, with employers and individual employees employed for more than four (4) hours a week each paying 50% of the premium. It pays benefits to qualifying retirees. The Contributory Pensions plan, its proper name, enacted only in 1970 (in contrast, in the United Kingdom the Old Age Pensions Act was enacted on August 1, 1908, more than 100 years ago) is exactly what it implies - a pension plan for people who contribute to it. As such, it is their entitlement, not a charity. Nor is it confined to only Bermudian employees. Non Bermudian employees are eligible and required to be covered as well and are fully entitled to whatever benefits they accrue under the plan's provisions. The Contributory Pensions plan maximum payout per month to fully eligible beneficiaries is at a far lower rate than in the USA or Canada even though the cost of living overall in Bermuda is over 300% higher.

Social Insurance Department, Government Administration Building, 30 Parliament Street, Hamilton HM 12. Phone 295-5151 extension 1129 or 1131. In Bermuda, the maximum Social Security benefit obtainable is $980 a month for those who qualify, about 22% of all local pensioners.  

Current deductions from wages or salaries apply under section 4 of the Contributory Pensions Act 1970.  

 There is a Contributory Pensions Appeal Tribunal. See Bermuda Government Boards

When private corporate pensions are offered, they are in addition to the Government administered Contributory Pensions plan shown above.

The table above compares badly to Social Security in the USA which averages $1,550 in USA for persons have not worked for 50 years and, for those with a more modern and sustained employment history can quite easily be US$1,844 a month, or $2,180 a month at age 67 or $2,697 a month if a pensioner is healthy enough to wait until age 70 before drawing benefits. See the USA's Social Security Administration. There is no standard rates file as pensions can vary appreciably. Over 60s men do not get a Social Security pension until they are 65, if they qualify. At Age Concern In the United Kingdom, some offices will supply immediately on request or within 24 hours by e-mail  a 5-page "Benefit rates for the Over 60s" guide showing a variety of rates for which individuals will be eligible depending on if and how they qualify - including men over 60. There is no standard "Benefit rates for the Over 60s" guide as there is in the United Kingdom, Canada and USA. 

In Canada, each senior is paid an OAP/CCP by the Government. For those without any other source of income, Social Security monthly can be as high as Ca $2600. For those with a substantial income from a private or teacher's pension or other sources, the OAP/CCP can be as low as Ca $400. Canadians are so lucky with their Health plan; and in Ontario seniors get free prescription drugs for over 1500 prescribed things! Their GST tax and other taxes cover much of it. The plan gives peace of mind to Canadians.   

In comparison to social security benefits for its citizens who have paid taxes all their working life and beyond, Bermuda Government pensions for its employees or Members of Parliament are for far shorter periods of time, offer much bigger pensions and get regular cost of living increases. Seniors over the age of 65 and employed no longer have to pay Social Insurance contributions but employers must do so. Many pensioners exist solely on their Social Security because they do not qualify at all for any corporate pension, or their corporate pension benefits ceased when a spouse died. The cost in Bermuda for a private Senior Citizens home for the elderly is more than 7 times the average social security pension and can easily be as high as $95,000 a year.

Special Persons Card (SPC)

An ID card. Bermudian or Bermuda-resident women and men must be at least 65 years old to qualify, except for the registered disabled under the age of 65. For local travel by bus and ferry, free for seniors and disabled on production. Not valid abroad.

Veterans 

In Bermuda, there are no retirement homes or hospitals specifically for World War veterans. Some Bermuda veterans have had to pay more than $100,000 out of their own money if they have it to overseas hospitals for operations, owing to a lack of affordable medical insurance. If they don't have the funds and can't strike a deal with the LCCA to borrow the money, they don't get treated overseas.

Senior citizens related groups and services include

Part 1

Activities Association of Bermuda (AAB)	Promoters of quality care for Bermuda's seniors. Has periodic workshops in Bermuda in partnership with the US National Association of Activity Professionals (NAAP).
Activities Center	KEMH Continuing Care Unit, 7 Point Finger Road, Paget DV 04. Phone 239-2020. Adult day care center for seniors. Transportation provided for participating residents living from Crawl Hill to Horseshoe Bay.
Admiralty House Community Center	2 Admiralty Lane, Pembroke HM 01. Phone 295-9094. Fax 295-4695. For older adults. Registered charity 089.
Age Concern	Bermuda-registered charity # 137. Charities House, 25 Point Finger Road, Paget DV 04, Bermuda. P. O. Box HM 2397, Hamilton HM JX, Bermuda. Telephone (441) 238-7525. Fax (441) 238-7177. E-mail info@AgeConcern.bm. Claudette Fleming, Executive Director. Open to the public 9 am-4 pm Monday-Friday. Not part of Age Concern in UK. Most of the income is from the corporate private sector, Bermuda Government and some individuals. Has onferences, forums, newsletters, supplements. It is a 'connector' and 'watchdog' group not a direct service provider. Includes advocacy. Annual membership fee to individuals.
Amigos De Terciera Idade - Friends of Senior Citizens	Registered charity 577
Bermuda Alzheimer's Family Support Association	P. O. Box DV 114, Devonshire DV BX. Meets second Tuesday of each month, Continuous Care Unit Activities room, King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, 5:30 pm. Call Julie Kay Darrell at 238-2168.
Bermuda Amputee Support Group	80-100 known amputees, from 17-90 years old. Most are from diabetes. A few have bone tumors. They are in the Limb and Brace Unit of KEMH Physiotherapy. Established in 2002 by KEMH physiotherapist Carol Sawyer and social worker Paul Chan.
Bermuda Bereavement Association of Care Givers	P. O. Box DD 174, St. David's DD BX. Phone 297-0030
Bermuda Council on Aging (BCA)	Formed in late 2006 in response to a growing awareness that Bermuda's population is growing older, with a mission to foster dialogue and collaborative action regarding Bermuda ’s ageing population and its impact on our social and economic wellbeing. It is an association of key stakeholders that is representative of Government, the private sector, and the non-profit third sector. Marian Sherratt, executive director, email info@bdaca.com. Tries to bring together Government, private sector, the charities and community at large, to identify and help develop appropriate policies and programmes; research and report on key issues; and build community awareness of its ageing population. According to the 2000 Census, 11 percent of Bermuda's population is already older than 65, and the Department of Statistics estimates that this will double to 22 percent by 2030.
Bermuda Gerontological Society	A senior citizens group. Meets second Tuesday of each month at Peace Lutheran Church Hall, 5:30 pm.
Bermuda Red Cross	8 Berry Hill Road, Paget. P. O. Box HM 772, Hamilton HM CX, Bermuda. Administrative Office telephone 236-8253 or fax 236 8267. Since 1950. Blood Donor Center, hospital (441) 236 5067 (fax 236 2272). A volunteer organization, made up of public spirited individuals, many of them retired from regular jobs. Services to seniors and the disabled include hospital equipment rental, to help customers recuperate in their own homes.
Bermuda War Veterans Association	Registered charity 140. All surviving members are senior citizens
Communication for the Hearing Impaired	Telephone 292-7703.
Community Nursing Service	Bermuda Health Department. P. O. Box HM 1195, Hamilton HM EX.
Cornerstone	Phone 234-4022. 4 Oriel Lane, Scott's Hill Road, Sandys MA 04. Adult day care center for seniors and independent residential care.
Department of Health & Social Services	A Bermuda Government agency, in the Ministry of Health and Family Services. 7 Point Finger Road, Paget DV 04. Telephone (441) 236-0224 or fax (441) 236-3971
Friends of Lefroy House Association	Lefroy House, P. O. Box MA 118, Mangrove Bay, MA BX. Phone 234-0525 or 234-2152. Lefroy House near Dockyard is a home for seniors. Promotes the involvement of relatives and friends.  Registered charity 393.
Golden Hour Club	For seniors, at Bermuda Red Cross, meetings twice a month, phone 236-8253.
Happy Seniors Club	A senior citizens group. Meets Tuesday, 11:30 to 3 pm, Hamilton Adventist Center. Call 292-0654 or 292-2160.
Island-wide Social Committee	A seniors group
King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH)	An associate member of the American Hospital Association. It is accredited every three years by the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation at FLR 4-1730, St. Laurent Boulevard, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1G 5LI, telephone (613) 738 3800.  For seniors, in the Continuing Care Unit, phone 236-2345 x 1377 or 1708, there is Activities & day care  Dementia & Respite Care Long Term and Young Disabled care Palliative Care
Lady Cubitt Compassionate Association (LCCA)	International Center, Suite 211, Bermudiana Road, Hamilton. P. O. Box HM 64, Hamilton HM AX. Phone 292-1132 or fax 295- 7147. It relieves poverty, suffering and distress, gives help and advice and lends  - on a repayment program - funds for senior citizens and others to go overseas for medical and surgical treatment when local employment via employers or family has ceased or is inadequate. Registered charity 087.
Meals on Wheels	103 South Road, Paget, PG 03. P. O. Box PG 312, Paget PG BX. Phone 236-1815. Fax 232-2070. It supplies nourishing lunchtime cooked meals 4 days a week for persons who for reasons of health cannot prepare meals for themselves, whether on release from hospital or on a longer term. Registered charity 109.
National Office for Seniors and Physically Challenged.	Since 1992. Stonehall, 60 Victoria Street, Hamilton, next to St. Paul AME Church. Or by Airmail at P. O. Box HM 1195, Hamilton HM EX, Bermuda. Phone 292-7802. Fax 292-9135 (Seniors) or 292-7681 (Disabled).
Project Action	Registered Charity 561. In Bermuda, free bus service for seniors in private and government-run homes. Also has a specially-equipped (for wheelchair and ambulatory disabled) bus, as a service to seniors and disabled - residents only, not visitors.  P. O. Box FL 136, Flatts, FL BX.
The Residents' Family Council	Support for seniors who are residents of the Continuing Care Unit (CCU) at the King Edward VII Hospital and their families.
St. George's Joy Club	For senior citizens. First and third Wednesdays of each month. Meets at St. George's Community Centre, Old Military Road, near bus terminal, 1-3:30 pm. Call 297-1765 or 297-0913.
Seniors Active Club	A senior citizens group. Homestead Lane, Southampton SB 04.
Senior Islanders Club	A senior citizens group. Meets Tuesdays. Craft classes and afternoon social at 1:30 pm. Bingo at 9 pm. Admiralty House, Spanish Point, Pembroke, call 295-9094
Senior Learners Club	A senior citizens group. P. O. Box PG 297, Paget PG BX
Standing Medical Board	Pension and Gratuities (War Service) Act 1947. All surviving beneficiaries of such pensions are senior citizens.

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