Caring for the elderly – Palms Geriatric Home gets rehabilitated ward, lifts
─ $14M lifts will allow the seniors at the facility to move between levels using a walker or wheelchair
─ govt recognises importance of nation’s elderly and will spare no efforts in ensuring they are housed in a comfortable environment
DPI, Guyana, Thursday, September 20, 2018
More than two-hundred residents of the Palms Geriatric Home will now benefit from improved services with the commissioning of three lifts and a rehabilitated ward at the Brickdam facility today.
The $14M lifts will allow the residents at the oldest senior care facility in Guyana to move between levels of Palms using a walker or wheelchair.
At the commissioning ceremony, Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally noted that government recognises the importance of the nation’s elderly and will spare no efforts in ensuring they are housed in a comfortable environment.
“The Ministry of Social Protection and the Government of Guyana, really recognise the importance of our elderly and we try as far as practicable to make life comfortable for them. This will not only benefit residents of the Palms but the staff that have various functions and will ensure that they provide excellent service,” Minister Ally emphasised.
The institution’s rehabilitated Ward Six was also commissioned. This facility, which houses female residents is now equipped with new beds and other amenities.
“We are proud to make such an investment, but not only this investment; we have other things on the cards to make this institution an improved one to provide better service,” the Social Protection Minister noted.
Senior Probation and Social Services Officer, Aggrey Azore noted that the project is an innovation that will enhance the capacity of the Palms, and the functionality of the residents, as well as the staff.
Earlier this year, an $18M infirmary and outpatient clinic was commissioned at the Palms. This has since resulted in a reduction in the number of referrals to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
The aim is to ensure that institution is maintained in keeping with the Government’s Minimum Standard Regulations for Geriatric Facilities.
Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott and Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Lorraine Baird were also present at the event.
Synieka Thorne.
Images: Keno George.