Ground has been broken on the $1.2 million renovation of Sandys Parish Rest Home to provide accommodation to ageing, mentally challenged adults.

The home will house six to eight residents who will be cared for by Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute (MAWI) staff when it opens in the Autumn.

The facility will also provide 'respite' care, which is short-time, temporary care of individuals in order to give caregivers a 'holiday' from providing continuous care at home.

The project is being funded by Project 100, a charity which raises cash to help the mentally challenged. Sandys will be the third residential home provided for MAWI in the last seven years.

Judy Panchaud White, co-chair of the Sandys Parish Project and immediate past president of Project 100, said: "The Sandys Rest Home will be a state-of-the art facility."

It will feature hydraulic lifts and special tubs while residents will enjoy sea views on two sides.

She said with 120 mentally challenged adults living with families in Bermuda there was a great need for respite care but currently the only option when carers needed a break was to put the cared-for relative temporarily into MAWI.

"You can imagine if you have a Down's syndrome person cared for at home to be put into MAWI would be quite an adjustment," Ms Panchaud White said.

Preference for the permanent spots will be given to Sandys residents over 55.

Bermuda Project Managers Limited is providing their project management services throughout the project at a cut-price rate.

Managing director Adam Hawley said: "We wanted to be involved in a project where we could use our expertise to benefit the community in a positive, effective way and we are happy that we can use our skills and contacts to make a difference. We think it's far more valuable than just writing a cheque.

"We hope this new facility will make a difference in the lives of families and caregivers and greatly benefits those who will receive care onsite."

In addition to BPML, Benevides and Associates has carried out the design and Araujo Construction Limited has provided contractor services, both at deeply discounted rates, to help renovate the Sandys Parish Rest Home.

Local suppliers willing to offer discounted quotes should call Mr. Hawley at 296-1972 or email to adam@bpml.com