New chapter begins as hotel purchase goes through court
Les Amis, which provides essential services to people with learning disabilities, has taken possession of the former Hampshire Hotel with plans to convert it into a specialist nursing care facility and sheltered accommodation.
‘Maison Les Amis’, as it will be known, will offer long-term residential accommodation to adults with learning disabilities who have nursing or special care needs including those with early on-set dementia which particularly affects those with pre-existing learning disabilities. The buildings will include several self- contained apartments for those able to maintain some independence into their later years.
Thanks to a very significant private donation, the charity was able to announce earlier this year that it had agreed to buy the property in Val Plaisant. The sale went through the Royal Court and plans to repurpose the building are continuing.
Shaun Findlay, Managing Director of Les Amis, said: “This landmark development acknowledges that people with learning disabilities are entitled to appropriate health care, including specialist elderly care. It has taken a long time to get here, but I think this will highlight Jersey as a forward-thinking, progressive society. In the UK, a law to ensure that people with Down’s Syndrome get lifelong care is going through Parliament and it set to become law next year. With this facility in Jersey, we will be the first to offer services at a higher level than can be currently provided for people with Down’s Syndrome and other learning disabilities.”
It is expected that the number of people with dementia will double in the next 20 years and that poses particular challenges for the adequate provision of care for people with learning disabilities and specific needs.
Shaun added: “These facilities will offer care to those with special needs throughout their lives and is something that Jersey desperately needs as the ageing population put pressure on existing services. But to do this, Les Amis will need external financial support and we will continue with our fundraising efforts and will be actively seeking further grant or sponsorship support.”
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