MUCH-needed renovations are well underway at The Palms on Brickdam, home to some 240 elderly folks, and the oldest and largest such facility in the country. In addition to infrastructural improvements, the institution will also see an improvement in the services it offers, one of which is the stationing of a medical doctor on site during the day, and having one on call during the night.
In serious cases, however, residents will be referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
According to Ms Mavis Wiggins, who has been residing at the facility for some six years now, there has been some improvement in the meals they’re being served.
Ms Wiggins, who’s a diabetic, said she welcomes the renovations, as the walkways are so low, that during the rainy seasons they become flooded, making it hard to move around.
An estimated $58M has been allocated for the renovations of the Home, and according to the Administrator, Ms Samantha Douglas, she too welcomes the changes. “This year, we are doing a number of repairs. Ward Three, the ground floor, is under construction… which would boost the ward for the residents that would re-locate back there,” she said, adding:
“We are also going to do some interior painting, and install some lifts, where it would make access to the ward much easier.”
Also on the cards, she said, are training programmes for staff, as well as the improvement of the driveways within the compound.
According to the Director of Social Services in the Ministry of Social Protection, Mr Wentworth Tanner, a total of three lifts will be installed at the institution so as to help wheelchair-bound residents get around easily, as well as with the provision of meals and laundry among other services.
Plans are currently being discussed to collaborate with the Night Shelter to have their residents treated at the Palms’ infirmary when it is completed. (GINA)