New Facility for Trelawny’s Elderly

The Icy Allen Care Centre, a new addition to the Trelawny Infirmary, was officially opened on February 26.
Constructed at a cost of approximately $40 million, through philanthropic contributions from friends of the Infirmary based in the United States, the Care Center has accommodation for approximately 35 residents.
It is fully equipped with modern facilities and conveniences suitable also for the physically challenged.
Named in honour of the Matron of the Infirmary, Ms. Icedore Allen, the Care Centre presents a new dimension to the offerings at the Infirmary, as it will be used to accommodate private residents, either through a day care drop off arrangement to be put in place, or through a longer term residential arrangement. Income from the new facility will be used to supplement the daily operations of the Infirmary.
Addressing the official opening ceremony, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Local Government, Robert Montague, highlighted the importance of private/public sector partnerships to community development.
He said that his ministry has already made some contribution to the centre, and will be donating a windmill to help reduce the cost of electricity.
Minister Montague also referred to the 2007 Economic and Social Survey of Jamaica, which revealed that there was an increase in the population of persons over the age of 60, when compared with 2006.
He said that this means that more persons will need care and require facilities such as the newly opened centre, if the trend continues.
“These persons over the age of sixty are not only needy individuals, many are professionals who require expert care, and who are willing and able to pay for their stay in a centre.The Icy Allen Care Centre is just the kind of place to satisfy those demands”, he stated.
With increasing demands, many younger folks are finding it very difficult to give their aging parents and other loved ones the necessary care, he said.
“That is why we need more Icy Allen Care Centres to cushion this pain, where the medical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of our loved ones are taken care of in a safe and secured environment,” he argued.
Mr. Montague said that he understands the need for such care centres, as he speaks from experience having, for a period of time, to care for his ill mother. He charged local authorities to seek to replicate the Icy Allen Care Centre initiative.