GUYANA’ S seniors and their families now have a new avenue for care, relaxation and connection, with the launch of Senior Solutions Incorporated’s Day Retreat and Training Centre at Third Street, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.
Beginning in 2024 as a home-based elderly care service headed by Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Portia Dodson-Sami, the venture has developed into a broader mission of improving the quality of life of older adults through professional care, education and social engagement.
The launch of the new facility on Saturday marks another milestone for the company and the growing number of seniors they serve, offering a safe space for recreation, learning, wellness activities and companionship, while addressing some of the biggest challenges associated with ageing.
Addressing guests at the opening ceremony, Dr. Dodson-Sami said the centre represents the fulfilment of a vision inspired by a growing awareness of the needs of elderly citizens across Guyana. She explained that the company was established after she conducted caregiver training across Guyana and recognised significant gaps in the support available for senior citizens.
As she noted, “We began by offering home-based care for the elderly because I saw the growing need for better care for our elderly citizens,” she said, noting that the company has since expanded into corporate domestic services and now the Day Retreat and Training Centre.
She emphasised that ageing is not a one-size-fits-all experience, with seniors requiring different levels of care and support depending on their stage of life and health, adding, “As we have engaged with our senior citizens, we have noticed that they have many needs, and those needs often go unmet because they’re unnoticed. Even when they’re noticed, they are ignored,” she said.
One of the greatest concerns highlighted during her address was the growing problem of social isolation among older adults.
She noted that, “Too many seniors spend their days alone, disconnected from their family and friends,” Dr. Dodson-Sami further added, “Loneliness is not just a mental problem, it is a physical problem. It is a public health concern.”
Moreover, she added that prolonged isolation contributes to declining physical and mental health and significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia and premature death. Dr. Dodson-Sami said the new Day Retreat and Training Centre was created to help address those challenges by providing opportunities for social interaction, recreation, learning and meaningful engagement.
“Our day retreat and training centre provides a welcoming space for connection, learning, recreation and social engagement,” she added, “Today, as we open our doors officially, we are also opening new possibilities.”
A key feature of the centre is its focus on lifelong learning. Among the programmes being introduced is digital literacy training, designed to help seniors navigate an increasingly technology-driven world.
Dr. Dodson-Sami noted that many essential services, including banking, healthcare appointments and government transactions, are now conducted online, leaving many older adults at a disadvantage.
As she explained, “We are trying to decrease inequalities, but if we do not address digital illiteracy, the inequalities will continue to grow,” she said. Beyond practical skills, she noted that technology training will also help seniors remain connected with relatives and friends living overseas, while supporting cognitive health through continued learning.
The centre will also offer storytelling workshops, allowing older adults to preserve their memories and life experiences while stimulating their minds. “I personally love to listen to the stories of our senior citizens. We want to capture that. We want to record it. It is not just a benefit for us, the listeners, but it’s a way of improving their memory and cognition,” she said.
Another unique offering is First Aid and CPR training tailored specifically for senior citizens. Dr. Dodson-Sami noted that many grandparents continue to play an active caregiving role within families and should be equipped to respond confidently in emergencies; adding, “If an emergency should happen, it would be good to know that our seniors know what to do until more qualified help arrives,” she said.
Looking ahead, Dr. Dodson-Sami said the company intends to continue expanding its services as new needs emerge within Guyana’s ageing population. “It is our hope that this centre will become a model for senior engagement and support throughout Guyana and inspire others to invest in the well-being of our ageing population,” she said.
