By S.Browne. Updated 3:34 p.m., Friday, October 3, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Departmental Manager of the Lewis Punnett Home, Sister Luann Small, recently called on relatives of residents not to cast away their loved ones after they are placed in the home and encouraged families to visit more often.
“Don’t cast them away. They’re elderly because they have already contributed to society, they have already done their part, and it is our job now to look after them,” Sister Small said. “Even though they are here, please come and visit them. They would really appreciate a visit from you.”
According to Sister Small, visiting hours have been adapted in line with the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (3-5 p.m. daily) to make the home more accessible to the public.
The Departmental Manager added that, from time to time, callers ask whether the Home has space and how they can get their relatives to relocate there. As the sole government-operated geriatric home in the country, Sister Small asserted that the Lewis Punnett Home continues to provide an essential service, and it is entirely free of charge.
In recognition of the International Day of Older Persons, observed on October 1, the Geriatric Care Services in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment spearheaded a week of activities under the theme: “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-being, and Our Rights.”
Sister Small said the week of activities opened with a church service on Sunday at the Home. Other activities included a bake sale and a pamper day, during which staff treated residents to manicures, pedicures, facials, and hair grooming.
On Thursday, several able-bodied residents were taken to the Botanical Gardens to improve their physical and mental wellness.
Today, the final day of the week of activities is ongoing, with a staff and residents recognition ceremony, luncheon, and karaoke taking place.
The Lewis Punnett Home has provided hospice services for the poor and elderly since the 1950s.
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The information was sourced from the Agency for Public Information.
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