Sharjah assesses age-friendly institutions for senior care award

The Quality and Age-friendly Healthcare Services Office in Sharjah has launched field assessments for its age-friendly institutions award, evaluating 31 participating organizations. This initiative aims to elevate the quality of services provided to senior citizens by encouraging the development of inclusive and sustainable environments tailored to their specific needs. By setting rigorous standards for care, the program supports Sharjah’s broader vision of establishing a comprehensive age-friendly community that prioritizes the independence and well-being of its older population.

The evaluation committee is currently conducting on-site visits to 31 participating organizations to measure their preparedness and compliance with approved age-friendly standards. These assessments focus on the initiatives and services implemented by each institution to improve the overall quality of life and experience for older people. The methodology specifically examines an organization's ability to adopt core age-friendly care principles and create responsive environments that foster independence.

Asma Al Khudari, Director of Quality and Age-friendly Healthcare Services, stated that these evaluation visits are a critical phase of the award process. They allow the committee to verify compliance with established benchmarks while identifying innovative practices that support the social and health needs of the elderly. The initiative also serves as a platform for organizations to exchange expertise and adopt international best practices, ultimately raising the baseline for senior care across the region.

Beyond individual institutional improvement, the award reflects Sharjah’s strategic vision to promote active participation and social inclusion for senior citizens. By incentivizing organizations to develop supportive infrastructure, the government aims to ensure that healthcare and social services are both accessible and humanitarian in nature. The evaluation process will continue over the coming weeks, concluding with the approval of final results and a ceremony to honor the top-performing organizations.