LEARNING disability charity Les Amis has taken possession of the former Hampshire Hotel in the next stage of its plan to convert it into a specialist nursing care facility and sheltered accommodation.
It is intended that the new facility, which will be known as Maison Les Amis, will offer long-term residential accommodation for adults with learning difficulties who have nursing or special care needs, including those with early on-set dementia.
The buildings, in Val Plaisant, will also include several self-contained apartments for those able to maintain their independence.
The purchase was possible due to a large private donation and went through the Royal Court earlier this month.
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 is 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.’
Mr Findlay added that extra facilities such as these were ‘desperately needed’ with the Island’s population becoming increasingly aged.
