accommodation for the elderly in the future.

The 1991 Census of Population and Housing showed that in 1991, nine percent of the population was 65 years or older, a rise of one percent since 1980.

The statistics show the elderly population will continue to grow, according to Mr. Randolph Scott, secretary of the management committee at Packwood Home.

"And resources must be redirected toward taking care of our aging population,'' he said.

That is one reason the Packwood Old Folks Home has been redeveloped to house 30 residents -- twice as many as before.

"The revamped facility is first-class,'' said Mr. Scott. "We hope what we've done to the Packwood Home sets a standard for the type of care required for senior citizens in Bermuda.'' The newly renovated Home, is expected to help ease the pressure on King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, which is having to house elderly people who need not be there, according to Mrs. Cecille Snaith-Simmons, nurse administrator at the Packwood Home.

"Senior citizens are also coming in from other nursing homes as well as from their own homes,'' said Mrs. Snaith-Simmons. "Residents must apply for a place here and I assess their needs. Then we can prepare for them before they arrive.'' Packwood Home can house people requiring all levels of care.

"And once they come here to live,'' said Mrs. Snaith-Simmons, "I want them to be able to stay here even if they need extended care.

"A feeling of family develops between the elderly and this will become their home. I wouldn't want residents to move elsewhere just because their condition deteriorates.'' The Home started taking residents on May 31. "We're getting people in slowly,'' said Mrs. Snaith-Simmons, "so we can iron out any teething problems along the way.'' Chairman of Packwood Home's management committee, Mr. Charles Lathan said he expected the home to be full by mid-July.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE -- Secretary of the Packwood Home management committee, Mr. Randolph Scott, in front of the first-class senior citizens' facility.