class facility.

It is the only nursing home on the Island built to comply with Government specifications, according to nurse administrator, Mrs. Cecille Snaith-Simmons.

"And although the regulations have not yet become law, they are being vetted.'' A state-of-the-art fire alarm system was installed in the building.

"And the Home has its own generator in case of a power outage as well as a central heating system,'' said Mrs. Snaith-Simmons.

There are fans in every room. And a modern elevator has been installed for quick and safe access between the two levels.

All furniture in the Home is specially designed for the elderly. "The chairs in the building have arms and are covered in vinyl upholstery to allow for easy cleaning,'' said Mrs. Snaith-Simmons. "As well, the dining room tables are specifically made lower for senior citizens.'' The bedrooms in the Home are equipped with hospital-type beds. And every dorm has a bathroom which includes a toilet and sink, said Mrs. Snaith-Simmons.

Bathtubs, however, are located in four communal facilities so staff can monitor residents while they bathe.

To protect residents, bedroom doors are rigged with an alarm which sounds in the office if the doors are opened from the inside. And every room has a call bell, noted Mrs. Snaith-Simmons, which can be used if the residents need assistance.

The interior of the Packwood Home was decorated by chairperson of the trustees, Lady Swan together with volunteer, Mrs. Kathy Zuill, an interior designer.

"We arranged the furniture in the rest home,'' said Mrs. Zuill. "And we picked out colours for the walls and fabrics. We wanted Packwood Home to look less like an institution and more like a home, so we made it as pretty and cheery as possible.

"Also senior citizens need special furnishings so we used the firm, Foran Ltd., who specialise in institutional furniture,'' said Lady Swan. "They are very knowledgeable in the type of equipment required for rest homes. And they did a great job.'' Foran Ltd. has supplied many institutions in Bermuda including Lefroy House, Pembroke Rest Home and the geriatric ward at the Hospital.

Foran vice president Ms Donna Todd said all furnishings for the Packwood Home were ordered from abroad.

"We special ordered the furniture as well as the bedspreads and drapes from the United States and Canada.

"The products are more durable than most and are made specifically for elderly use. A flame retardant is used on the fabrics as well as a protective cover to help prevent fire and other accidents,'' said Ms Todd.

"I'm very pleased with all of the renovations,'' noted Lady Swan. "The Home looks absolutely beautiful.'' PHOYO Lady Swan.

CUSTOM DESIGNED - Packwood Home's 15 double bedrooms have all been designed with the needs of the elderly in mind.

OLD AND NEW LOOKS -- Andover Arbor, formerly the residence of Dr. Richard Packwood, became the Packwood Old Folks Home in 1923. Shown above, the Home housed fifteen residents. Below, the Home, which was completely revamped, now houses thirty people.