A daycare facility catering to seniors with dementia is hoped to break ground at the former Gilbert Institute school in Paget by September of this year — meaning it should “definitely” be open in 2028.

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, said designs for the seniors centre were awaiting approval by planning officials.

“There are private nursing homes that provide daycare services as well, so this is a complement to those services that already exist,” she added.

The end result will “have a dementia focus”, but will also come with “access for all levels and interests of seniors”. Ms Furbert said the site would come with potential room for expansion.

Design and renovation have $1.8 million under the 2026-27 Budget.

Ms Furbert highlighted the National Youth Council to be created this year, giving young Bermudians “a structured and meaningful voice in policymaking, creating new avenues for civic participation, leadership development and dialogue”.

She said a working group would draw up its terms of reference, while a steering committee had been tasked with “coming up with what they want this to look like”.

Ms Furbert said the allocation of $160,000 to the creation of “a dedicated Disability Unit” within Ageing and Disability Services was “definitely personal for me — I have waited a long time to have something like this”.

Ms Furbert said the unit would focus on improving accessibility and inclusion policy, strengthening services and raising awareness.

The K Margaret Carter Centre, which serves people with disabilities and got extra funding in 2024 to extend its service hours from 2.30pm to 5.45pm, will continue to get extra funding in the coming fiscal year.

Ms Furbert added that the island’s charities legislation would be updated to strengthen safeguards and transparency.

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