The Geriatric Hospital is the only Government Medical Residential Nursing Care and Rehabilitation Facility which provides fulltime, in-patient healthcare for older citizens, who cannot be cared for at home, or whose relatives are unable to afford adequate medical home care.

It is located on the grounds of the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre, Fox Hill Road, South. It consists of 5 wards each containing an average of 24 beds.

Pearce Ward Psychiatric Geriatric Ward - 24 beds
All male clients

Culmers Ward Geriatric Male Ward - 25 beds

Thompson Ward Geriatric Female Ward - 26 beds

McClennan Ward Geriatric Male Ward - 26 beds

Cruickshank Ward Geriatric Female Ward - 26 beds

Objectives

1. Provide routine, comprehensive healthcare to all clients.
2. Provide “assisted living” services that promote a sense of independence and community.
3. Decrease immobility among clients by promoting participation in a daily physical activity programme.
4. To maintain, as much as possible, all activities of normal daily living.
5. Provide consistency in a daily routine and maintain cognitive skills.
6. Provide routine eye, oral and foot care.
7. Encourage family involvement.
8. Maintain a nurturing, loving environment, so as to enhance overall well-being and quality of life.
9. Educate patients and family members about older adult care.
10. Encourage community involvement.

Geriatric Hospital offers the following services to all of its patients:

• Pharmacotherapy.
• Physiotherapy.
• Occupational therapy.
• Podiatry.
• Dentistry.
• Out-patients service.
• Laboratory services (limited).
• Full medical examinations.
• Referrals to specialty clinics.
• 24 hour Nursing services.
• Psychology Department.
• Psychiatric medicine.

The admission age to Geriatric Hospital is 60 years and over. Visitation hours are 10:00am - 8:00pm.

Adopt-a-Grandparent Programme

The “Adopt-a Grandparent Programme” pairs young persons with older adults. Such relationships bring benefit to both participants. Children develop and demonstrate nurturing skills and responsibility, while affording older clients added opportunities for companionship and, much needed, ties to the community.

The programme also seeks to promote awareness among youth regarding the care of older persons. Do not miss this wonderful experience.

Grandparents Day

Grandparents Day is celebrated every year on September 12. Residents of the Facility are treated to breakfast in bed, followed by a time of devotions. A special luncheon is also held later in the day.

Church Volunteer Programmes

Sunday Services

A religious service is held every Sunday at the Geriatric Hospital in the Patient Activity Room. Churches are invited to conduct services for both patients and staff. Contact the Hospital if your church would like to conduct a service.

Birthday Club

A programme, in which various churches selects to host a birthday party, at the Centre. You are requested to:

• Sponsor one party for all residents who are celebrating birthdays during the month.
• Provide the food for the party (for example, sandwiches, snack foods and drinks).
• Provide a birthday cake for the celebrants.
• Provide wrapped gifts for the celebrants.
• Decorate the room (optional).
• It is recommended that the party be held the last Friday or Saturday of the month.

There is still opportunity for additional sponsors, please contact the Geriatric Hospital to get involved with this fun and enjoyable programme.

Schedule of Churches and their assigned months