Lorraine Rest Home Opens New Wing

Good afternoon,

I am simply delighted to be here to participate in the grand opening of the Lorraine Rest Home’s newest wing.

As the Minister responsible for overseeing the Island’s Parish Councils, I must applaud today’s accomplishment.

Simply put, it is the culmination of hard work, determination and dedication –and I must first and foremost thank the members of the Warwick Parish Council who have risen above all odds to ensure that the residents of this home are afforded nothing but the best of care.

Not only have they demonstrated their selfless efforts to Lorraine Rest Home, but they have undertaken to ensure that they are present and engaged in the wider Warwick community.

Ladies and gentlemen, it takes a very noble heart to put the needs and care of others before one’s own. And that is precisely the character make up of each member of the Warwick Parish Council and the 25 members of staff here at Lorraine.

This facility would be non-existent if not for the selflessness of the executive team who lend their skills sets in the day to day operation of this magnitude on a voluntary basis.

Let me say that again…. The services they provide here are purely voluntary.

In a world where everything seems to be so fast paced… where people are looking for instant gratification… and where the needs of self seem to override the needs of others… it’s reassuring and humbling to see individuals demonstrate this kind of care and compassion for their fellow citizens.

The Council, under the leadership of Elder Kevin Santucci, along with supporting officers and members of the council and the dedicated staff must be congratulated for fulfilling the need for daycare for senior citizens.

Ladies and gentlemen Lorraine Rest Home stands out as a good example in providing the types of services that Parish Councils are designed to provide.

The Council has fulfilled the need of meeting the demands of our senior population. And what is becoming apparent, especially to this Government is that as Bermuda’s life expectancy rates rise, the needs for senior care both residential and daycare services will be a necessity.

As we have heard, the additional wing includes four new bedrooms with modern amenities, a recreation room and an area housing state-of-the-art security equipment to view the entire facility. For a facility that was built several decades ago, this upgrade will go a long way to providing comfort for our seniors.

Ladies and gentlemen for our part, since 1998, this Government – through the Ministry of Health and other key Ministries, such as the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Youth, Families and Sports, and the Ministry of Transport – has worked tirelessly toward improving the quality of life for our seniors – this very important segment of our population.

And as we move forward we will continue to make certain and steady progress to address their needs. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will continue support Lorraine Rest Home, and as we prepare for the new challenges which lie ahead for this sector of our community, we can confidently say that we will develop new and innovative ways to meet our seniors’ needs, by working hard to preserve and improve their quality of life.

Ladies and gentlemen, as a final word, I want to appeal to those members of our wider community to please take steps to become more aware of the work that’s done here at Lorraine. This home has always looked to the public to offer their assistance and time in volunteering –and the time spent by the volunteers here has greatly enriched the lives of our seniors.

So if there are any members of the community who are looking to give back to those who have laid the foundation of the Country that we enjoy today, I want to encourage you to become a volunteer here at Lorraine Rest Home.

Because the benefits of volunteerism offer a lifetime of rewards, and we need the continued help of an entire community to work side by side with this Government to ensure that all of our seniors’ needs are met.

Thank You!

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