The Dominica Infirmary is a home for the aged, destitute, and abandoned which is owned by the Catholic Church and assisted by the government of Commonwealth of Dominica. The institution began in the year nineteen seventy-eight (1978). The Infirmary was the first located on Cock Street, Roseau, and housed twenty (20) persons. It then moved into the building formerly known as Alexander cottage home, but because of the great demand the Infirmary was relocated in Baytown where initially fifty (50) residents were housed.
The Catholic Church then developed a partnership with the government Dominica and in 1983 the present building was completed with funding from the government of Dominica and the European Community through a Belgian non-government organization.
The Infirmary presently provides residential care and daycare services to an average forty (40) males and fifty (50) females with a staff of thirty nine (39). The management of the Infirmary is supported by a board of directors. The institution is currently addressing expansion.
Residential care is for older or destitute people who can no longer live at home due to illness, disability, bereavement, emergency, and if it is no longer possible to manage at home without help.
This institution will provide a specified range of care and services to residents. These requirements vary according to each residence’s care needs.
For all residents, services should include such things as:
• Staff to provide help at all times, including in emergency situations.
• Assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, showering, dressing and mobility.
• Assistance with medications.
• Muse and refreshments, taking into account special dietary needs.
• Basic furnishings including curtains, chairs, bed and bed linen, bath towels, face washers, soap and toilet paper.
• A laundry service, cleaning services and maintenance of buildings and grounds; and social or entertainment activities.
The Dominica Infirmary employs suitably skilled and qualified staff to provide assistance to residents. These include management staff, doctors and nurses, ward aides, kitchen staff, laundry staff, driver, and maintenance personnel.