Providing quality care for the elderly |06 May 2006

Despite the difficulties, the 46 staff – 24 nursing asistants, 14 skilled worker, a nurse coordinator, a senior nursing officer, 4 staff nurse and  two labourers – of the new Regional Home for the elderly at North East Point strive to provide a high standard of service to the 131 residents.

The new home, which accommodates both female and male residents of the ex-Fiennes Institute, provides a 24-hour assistance, designed to build on the strengths and constantly seek to improve the quality of life of the senior citizens.

The residents who have different medical conditions such as dementia and other chronically ill diseases, as well as social problems, get a 24-hour care service.

Senior nursing officer, Anne Désir, said that the new equipment and facilities in place will surely boost the efficient and reliable service the management anticipates.

The home comprises seven blocks, among which two administrative and two residential. Blocks A1, A2, B1 and B2 have 32 individual units each and block C1 comprises 8 units which can accomodate up to 6 residents each.

The R43 million home provides accommodation, meals and personal care, such as help with bathing and dressing, for those who are finding it difficult to cope on their own at home, or who need more professional and specialized help and care than their carers are able to provide. 

Meanwhile, the residents from Fiennes Institute are occupying the units in block B1 and C while block B2 is still being constructed. Once completed, senior citizens who are on the waiting list to be accommodated will gradually move in the home.
Block A1 and block A2 are nearing completion, except for some minor electrical fittings.