The insular president of New Canarias-Canarist Block (NC-bc), Yoné Caraballo, has expressed his opposition to the new senior citizens’ residence proposed by the governing group of the Cabildo of Lanzarote (CC-PP), following years of project stagnation. The deputy for Lanzarote and La Graciosa advocates for what he describes as an alternative model based on proximity, dignity, and personalised support.
According to Caraballo, the care system must ensure that elderly individuals can age in their local environment, surrounded by family and neighbours, with professional services that prevent overcrowding and the breakdown of emotional ties.
The Canarist leader noted that social policies in Europe and within the nation are moving towards a community model, based on small living units, supervised apartments, and day centres. “Not only does this improve the quality of life for the elderly, but it also generates stable, qualified employment in the socio-health sector,” he stated.
Caraballo emphasised that the Cabildo should prioritise investment in local resources and home care, as opposed to “large residences that can lead to impersonal models.” He cited the challenges faced by large centres during the Covid-19 pandemic, even noting —in an act of demagogy— the mortality rates recorded in Madrid.
The deputy concluded that discussing care involves respect, dignity, and humanity, urging Lanzarote to seize the opportunity to embrace a care system that places individuals at its core and recognises the contributions of those who have built the island’s society.
