Families who place elderly relatives at the Fiennes Institute could soon be required to contribute to their care under proposed legislation expected to be laid before Parliament in 2026.

Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin said the measure, to be included in a new Aged Care Bill, is intended to address what he described as a growing problem of abandonment and neglect of older people in Antigua and Barbuda. Speaking during the final day of the 2026 Budget Debate, he said families must be held financially accountable when they leave relatives in state care.

Sir Steadroy cited cases in which relatives, though able to assist, fail to do so, arguing the government can no longer shoulder the full cost of care alone. He said the proposed law would seek to ensure greater responsibility by families toward their elderly loved ones.