The Kirkconnell Community Care Centre is being expanded thanks to a generous donation by Linton Tibbetts and his wife, Polly, who have so far contributed US$500,000 towards the new wing.
The 4,400-square-foot extension to the centre, which provides 24-hour care for seniors, will match the existing building in style, and the two sections will be connected by a short passageway. The new wing will have eight bedrooms, each with an adjoining wheelchair-accessible bathroom, said a press release.
This will accommodate up to 16 more elderly people, adding to the 17 spaces currently available. However, the living, dining and kitchen areas of the existing building are large enough to handle the additional residents.
For more than 30 years, the facility for the elderly on Cayman Brac was based in the old family home of Captain Reginald Kirkconnell, which is now Waltons’ Mango Manor. KCCC in its new location next to Faith Hospital in Stake Bay was officially opened on 24 August 1996.
It was built with funds raised through subscriptions, community fundraisers and a government grant, and is owned by the Sister Islands Community Care Association, which leases it to the Department of Children and Family Services for a nominal sum.
The community continues to support KCCC, and in 2003, the Kiwanis Club spearheaded a project to install air conditioning.
Its location next to the hospital ensures quick, efficient and cost-effective medical care by hospital staff when necessary and provides a safe, comfortable, caring home for elderly citizens.
However, there are more elderly needing such accommodation than the facility can currently handle, and the DCFS rents three houses around the island to accommodate all its clients.
‘The Board of Directors is deeply appreciative of Mr. Tibbetts’ generosity and looks forward to the completion of the annex, which will enable DCFS to bring all of the elderly needing such care into one facility,’ said SICCA Chairman Floyd Banks.
‘As well as looking after the elderly, KCCC provides employment for 31 members of staff, including 21 Caymanians, making it one of the largest employers on the island,’ noted Sister Islands MLA Moses Kirkconnell.
‘Right now, the extension is creating jobs in the construction industry and, once it is finished, it will create more long-term employment opportunities on Cayman Brac,’ he added.
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