Sunrise Cottage residents moved east to west

| 16/06/2019
CNS Local Life
Teresa Echenique with Sunrise Cottage resident Ina Connor at her 100th birthday celebration

(CNS Local Life): The six residents of Sunrise Cottage, the oldest of the Department of Children and Family Services’ (DCFS) live-in facilities for seniors, were moved out of their East End home and into the Golden Age Home in West Bay last month, as part of a plan to build a new residence in the Eastern Districts. Ministry of Community Affairs Chief Officer Teresa Echenique said that the residents have been “comfortably settled” and that the temporary move to the other side of the island offers several advantages.

“The benefit of this location is that it is hurricane certified, which means they don’t have to be moved to a shelter if a storm is approaching,” Echenique said in a press release.

“They also have access to a large and airy daycare room with the opportunity to interact and take part in group activities daily. The move included staff they are very familiar with, which has greatly helped the transition.”

Sunrise, which was closed on Wednesday, 29 May, has been operating since the 1980’s, so the decision, made in the best interest of the residents and staff, will allow for future options to be considered, the press release said.

Factoring in the age, size and overall structural restraints of the existing Sunrise Cottage facility, Minister for Community Affairs Alden McLaughlin and Leader of the Opposition Arden McLean both agreed that a purpose-built home will best meet the needs of Cayman’s seniors living in the Eastern Districts. As a result, options are being explored to accommodate a future home that will not only provide residential services for older persons but will also offer a day programme and respite care when necessary, the release stated.  

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Category: Community, Local News

Comments (3)

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  1. Anonymous says:

    If I had my choice, the oldsters would be loacted on the grounds of Fairbanks in a brand new facility. Close to our world class HSA!

  2. Older Person says:

    Would it not have made more sense to build the new facility first instead of moving the residents out now; I doubt any of them will still be with us by the time the new place is operational.
    There was no immediate need to disrupt their lives in this way.

  3. Anonymous says:

    So what will happen to the people that go for the day?