By Jenelle Willabus The Palms Geriatric Institution located on Brickdam is easily one of Guyana’s longest serving institutions – the final home for thousands of our senior citizens.First called the Alms House, it was designed by an Italian architect, Cesar Castellani, in 1874. Four years later, the buildings which still house the institution today were completed after careful and precise construction work by the Dutch. They housed in excess of 500 inmates back then, and were the responsibility of the Poor Law Commissioner under the British Colonial Rule. The institute served the needs of citizens including the mentally and chronically ill, as well as epileptics.With a total of 14 wards the ‘Alms House’ at the time also catered for differently-able children. However the children’s ward was abandoned after several years.One of the buildings at ‘The Palms’The Poor Law Commission and the Social Assistance Department in the Ministry of Labour played an important role within the institution under the British and admissions were done through the Social Assistance Department on recommendations by social workers or sometimes by a minister of religion or through hospitals. However a few cases were sent through the Magisterial Courts.As time went by, the Ministry of Labour under the British Colony added Health to its Ministry in 1968. The policies remained the same, but in 1973 under Minister Monty Harper, the Health Department went by itself and took with it the Palms as it is now known.While many of the critical services are still offered at the Palms today there have been a few noteworthy changes in the operations, including several wards being abandoned.The Palms Institution currently falls under the Ministry of Health, as well as the Ministries of Labour, and Human Services and Social Security. The establishment which now serves as a home for in excess of some 200 senior citizens is funded through budgetary allocations under the Ministry of Human Services. The services provided are also fuelled by donations from corporate entities and other agencies.These services include physiotherapy, skin and public healthcare as well as recreational therapy. Daily activities are manned by the Administrator, Ms. Samantha Douglas, a Ward Sister, a Matron, a resident Doctor, cooks, Patient Care Assistants,Cheap China NFL Jerseys, a Medex, maids and porters.Ms. Douglas, who has been at the helm for the past few months, said she loves being around the institution as it has been a whole new learning experience. She often takes time out from her regular duties as administrator to interact with the inmates and “there is always an intriguing story to listen to”.Administrator, Ms. Samantha DouglasEntry to the facility is determined after applications are investigated by the social worker and an assessment conducted by the administrator, the matron,Cheap Wholesale Jerseys, the medex and the Director of Social Services. The two main criteria for admission are age and indigence. However, if persons are in abusive situations, they are facilitated. In most cases a person has to be 60 and older.In some instances, a review of the circumstances of some residents who have been admitted may result in such persons being reintegrated into their families.“Some of the stories of how persons ended up here are really sad. What we find in some cases is that greed by family members results in quite a few of the inmates being left here. In other instances we would hear of children putting their parents out.”It is for this and other reasons a Social Worker is always on hand to offer emotional support to those inmates who need help to adjusting to their unfamiliar surroundings.“While we find that many are comfortable and have quickly adjusted to their situation, there are others who fall into a state of depression, and for this reason lash out at our staff. But our staff includes Patient Care Assistants, who spend most of their time with the inmates.”To this end, staffers are provided with in-house training and other opportunities.In addition to daily medical checkups, provisions are also made for the seniors to get advanced medical attention when necessary, at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Also, to make life a little entertaining, visits to different churches are organised, there are also concerts, fashion shows, board games for those interested,Cheap NBA Store, and a movie night.Additionally,Stitched NFL Jerseys, under the supervision of the institution’s staff, some of the residents can engage in craft activities while others read or exercise. There is a library and caring persons would normally come into the institution to read to the residents. The removal and burial of deceased residents is catered for by the administration.