Saba News News and Information from Saba Island, Dutch Caribbean
With the introduction of the first elevator and new assisted living facilities, Saba marks a significant milestone in senior care.
The demolition of the 46-year-old structure that housed the Honorable Henry Carlyle Every Home for the Aged since the 1980s marks the official start of a major turning point in elder care in Saba.
Since 2024, the island has been a hive of construction activity. A large infusion of heavy machinery, supplies, and labor has arrived to construct a cutting-edge institution that meets the needs of Saba’s aging population.
Why the Modification Was Required
The constraints of the prior building became evident as the island’s community grew older. The facility, which dates back to the 1970s, was no longer able to meet the demands of contemporary care, and the living areas had grown too small to suit inhabitants.
The Assisted Living Apartments Provide Comfort During Transition
Residents have moved into temporary, fully furnished Assisted Living Apartments while the new Home for the Aged is being built.
Recently, Caribisch Netwerk visited the area, which offers a good mix of comfort, freedom, and safety:
- Personalized Touches: To make it easier for residents to identify their house, each apartment entrance door has a unique hue.
- Community Spaces: Locals have access to a shared balcony with views of The Bottom, the capital village.
- Historic Accessibility: The building is proud to have Saba’s first elevator, which makes it easier for residents to move between floors.
Saba Cares’ Care Coordinator, Sophie Coffie, stressed that during this shift, residents’ well-being will always come first. The improvement coincides with a larger initiative on the island to promote preventative care.
Photo Hazel Durand
In order to help Sabans as they age, local health officials emphasize that contemporary facilities must work in tandem with community education, emphasizing healthy lifestyle choices and early identification.
Hazel Durand
