The rights and care of the elder

Saudi Arabia places strong emphasis on providing a dignified and secure life for its citizens and gives special attention to specific social groups, including older persons. Various government entities provide comprehensive healthcare and social services to ensure that older persons receive appropriate care and support in line with their needs.

The Kingdom has enacted legislation and policies that safeguard the rights of older persons and regulate the responsibilities of caregivers. These frameworks aim to ensure respect, protection from abuse or neglect, and access to essential care services. Older persons are entitled to an adequate standard of living that ensures dignity, well-being, and quality of life for themselves and their families.

The Basic Law of Governance affirms these rights, stating that the State guarantees citizens and their families in cases of emergency, illness, incapacity, and old age, while supporting the social security system and encouraging charitable contributions. It also emphasizes the State’s responsibility to provide healthcare for all citizens. In line with this, Saudi Arabia has enacted a dedicated law governing the rights and care of older persons.

Definitions

• Older Person: Any Saudi citizen aged 60 years or older.
• Rights of Older Persons: All legal and legitimate rights, including financial, physical, social, and moral rights.
• Care for Older Persons in Need: Provision of essential needs such as housing, food, clothing, healthcare, psychological and social support, and recreational services.
• Caregiver: A person responsible for the care and protection of an older person in need.
• Social Care Home for Older Persons: A government, private, or non-profit institution licensed to provide accommodation, care, and support services for older persons.

Concept of Older Persons’ Rights

Older persons’ rights include access to adequate food, housing, income, education, healthcare, participation in decision-making, and equal access to community resources. These rights also ensure dignity, security, respect, and protection from exploitation or neglect.

Law of the Rights and Care of Older Persons

The Law was issued by Royal Decree No. (M/47), dated 03/06/1443 AH, and establishes a legal framework that promotes the rights of older persons, ensuring their dignity, privacy, independence, and access to care and services. It reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to honoring older generations who have contributed to national development and progress.

The Law also prohibits all forms of abuse and neglect and obliges caregivers to respect and protect the rights of older persons. Any form of mistreatment is considered a punishable offense under applicable regulations, and victims have the right to report violations to the competent authorities.

Key Rights of Older Persons

• Right to Health: Access to appropriate healthcare services, nutrition, safe living conditions, health awareness, and services tailored to their needs.
• Protection from Abuse: Protection from any act that may cause physical, psychological, or social harm.
• Social Security Rights: Access to financial support provided by the State for individuals with limited or no income under social security programs and eligibility criteria.

Social Care Services

Older persons may apply for long-term care services through social care facilities established to provide accommodation and support for individuals aged 60 and above who are unable to care for themselves and lack family support. These facilities also accommodate patients referred from hospitals, provided they are free from infectious or psychiatric conditions.

Services include social, medical, and psychological care, along with recreational, cultural, vocational, and sports activities supervised by qualified professionals.

Programs and Initiatives

• Social, medical, and residential care services
• Cultural, vocational, recreational, and sports programs
• Home healthcare programs
• “Priority for Them” initiative facilitating government procedures and services
• “Older Persons’ Majlis” providing a social and interactive environment

Core Principles of Older Persons’ Rights (UN Framework)

• Independence: Access to income opportunities, basic needs, suitable living environments, and training.
• Participation: Inclusion in society and involvement in decisions affecting their lives.
• Care: Access to family, community, healthcare, and social and legal services.
• Self-fulfillment: Opportunities for personal development and lifelong learning.
• Dignity: Living free from abuse, discrimination, and exploitation, with respect and fair treatment.