The New Dawn Senior Citizens Nursing Home in Barbados has received a significant enhancement to its care capabilities through a charitable donation from overseas. The Democratic Labour Party’s New York Branch has provided the facility with a state-of-the-art Hoyer lift system, offering both residents and caregivers an early Christmas gift that promises to transform daily operations.
This equipment donation addresses critical needs in elder care, substantially reducing the physical strain on nursing staff while simultaneously improving safety protocols for residents requiring mobility assistance. The mechanized lift system represents a technological advancement over manual transfer methods, minimizing injury risks for both caregivers and elderly residents.
Andrew Rawlins, president of the Friends of Barbados DLP New York branch, emphasized the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting Barbadian communities globally during the presentation ceremony. “This contribution aligns with our continuous efforts to give back to Barbados, whether locally or within the United States,” Rawlins stated. “We anticipate further collaborations with care facilities specializing in elderly support through equipment donations and similar initiatives.”
Ronald Nurse, proprietor of the New Dawn facility, expressed profound gratitude for the donation as the home prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2024. The purpose-built nursing home, established in May 2006, was designed from inception to provide specialized care for seniors. Nurse revealed his personal motivation for entering the care industry: “Being raised by my grandmother instilled a deep appreciation for the elderly. We entered this sector determined to elevate standards amid existing challenges.”
The nursing home benefits from multidisciplinary management expertise, with Nurse’s wife leaving her previous career to apply extensive local and international management experience to facility operations. Nurse additionally acknowledged the sustained support from both the New York-based organization and its Barbadian affiliates throughout the years.
The donated equipment is expected to create immediate practical improvements, enhancing quality of life for residents while optimizing working conditions for caregiving professionals. This international partnership demonstrates how diaspora communities continue to contribute meaningfully to Barbados’ social infrastructure development.