Cabinet Ministers and a group of officials from St. George's toured the construction site of the new St. George's Residential Care Facility for Seniors last week.

The facility, which once housed the St. George's Secondary School and has since had a number of sections added, is expected to be completed early next year.

Construction started some nine months ago and on completion, the facility will provide housing and care for a range of abilities, from independent living to seniors requiring skilled nursing care.

With a total of 36 rooms, accommodating 43 seniors, the facility will also include a secure Alzheimer's/ Dementia Care Unit and support for elderly couples who wish to remain together.

A Day Care Programme will also provide services and activities for additional seniors and include the use of a hairdressing salon, chapel and library.

The Minister of Health and Family Services, Patrice Minors, and the Minister of Works and Engineering and Housing, Ashfield De Vent, led the group through the facility.

While Lucy Chung, the architect from W. E and H explained the various construction stages.

The new facility will address the lack of facilities for elderly residents in the eastern parishes and the need for skilled nursing care beds throughout the island and is designed to be the future model for the care of the elderly in Bermuda.

Mrs. Minors said they were truly excited about the progress of the new facility, which they believe will set the standard for care of the elderly in Bermuda.

"Government is committed to ensuring that our seniors receive the residential care they deserve and we will continue to take all possible steps to provide community rest home care for them in a pleasant homelike residential environment," Mrs. Minors said.