Golden Age Home gets Generator

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has collaborated with the Golden Age Home (GAH) in Vineyard Town, Kingston, to procure a generator  for the home.

General Manager of the Home, Laurette Adams-Thomas, told JIS News that the generator has helped to alleviate some challenges that the institution encounters once there  is a power outage.

“The residents would be in total darkness and we would have to use lanterns and flashlights,” Mrs. Thomas said.

Prior to the acquisition of the generator, power outages would result in spoilage of perishable foods stored in the cold room and also affect the timely operation of the home’s laundry department.

“The laundry room staff would sometimes have to hand-wash for the residents and this would result in the accumulation of  clothing, due to the amount to be washed.  This would affect the staff’s ability to provide clean bed linen and clothing, which are needed on a daily basis,” Mrs. Thomas explained.

Mrs. Thomas lauded the GAH staff for the instrumental work being done over the years in caring for the residents and ensuring the smooth operations of the facility.

She said corporate Jamaica, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Faith- based institutions and private donors have assisted the home with acquiring other well-needed items. However, the home is still in need of equipment, including an industrial heater, which costs approximately $2 million. The dryer will assist the home to provide clean bed linen and clothes in a timely manner for the 454 residents.

“I am not daunted by the challenges we encounter at the Golden Age Home, because I am motivated by challenges. I have a passion for caring for the elderly and I know that the Ministry Labour and Social Security, the Board of Directors, Management and Staff are doing their best to ensure that the Home is the benchmark infirmary in Jamaica,”  she told JIS News.

By Shelly Ann-Irving/Sanasha Pearson, JIS Reporters