May 24, 2008 — Preparing to double its capacity, St. Croix's Herbert Grigg Home for the Aged launched an "Adopt-a-Room" campaign Saturday, asking civic-minded Virgin Islanders, community and church groups to help refurbish and refinish rooms for 40 more patients by the end of the year.
The Grigg home is the only St. Croix residential facility for seniors over the age of 60 that provides medical, long term and intermediate care. Services are now being provided to 40 residents with a planned expansion to 80 residents by December.
A volunteer organization, Friends of Herbert Grigg, was formed earlier this year to help with the planned expansion by raising money to pay for service upgrades, equipment and furniture. The additional rooms will be in an existing building which is being renovated.
The Friends of Herbert Grigg kicked off the fundraising effort Saturday morning at the home, meeting with potential donors and with the press. Deputy Commissioner of Human Services Vera Falu, who directs the home, said 22 rooms need to be refurbished.
"The average cost of furnishing a semiprivate room for two individuals is $12,000," Falu said. Individuals or organizations can "adopt" a room, paying for the complete refurbishment of a single room. If you go that route, Falu said, you will receive updates on how the work is going, and when the room is complete, you can come and see for yourself exactly what your money paid for.
"We also have a furniture registry," said Friends member Luz Suarez Highfield. Instead of taking on the cost of redoing an entire room, you would buy individual pieces of furniture on the group's registry or "wish list," she said. These range from inexpensive wall-mounted fans on up to electric hospital beds costing thousands.
Rupert and Cheryl Ross from St. Croix Rotary West were at Saturday's meeting, looking into how Rotary International might be able to help.
"Rotary has the capacity, if the ducks line up properly, to furnish rooms," Rupert said. "But Rotary International doesn't invest in bricks and mortar." He asked questions about the estimated costs for some of the needed furniture, taking copious notes.
The expansion will help accommodate the growing needs of St. Croix's expanding elderly population and also let Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital release at least 16 beds now used for long-term elderly care. There is a long waiting list of elderly individuals waiting for admission to the Grigg home.
"We need at least 400 beds for the elderly territory-wide," said Graciela Cabret-Lee of the Friends of Herbert Grigg.
To adopt a room or help purchase equipment for the rooms call Sharon Rosario at (340) 718-1740 or stop by Oscar's Refrigeration in Grande Princesse. To find out more about the Grigg home and about volunteering with the elderly, call Falu at 778-1323 or 778-0708.
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