Inclusive Care Breaks Ground: Sterling Complex to Serve Seniors, Disabled and Children

Hope and inclusion took centre stage as government and community leaders broke ground on the Sterling Residential and Respite Complex, a first-of-its-kind facility designed to serve seniors, persons with disabilities and children in a single, intergenerational setting.

The project—situated at Sterling House in St. Philip—will provide daycare, respite, and residential services aimed at easing the burden on families while fostering interaction between young and old.

Soroptimist International of Barbados President Patrice Alleyne, whose organization helped spearhead the vision, said the initiative “extends the hope of our Soroptimist Village and proves that every Barbadian deserves to live in dignity.”

The Barbados Alzheimer’s Association, represented by board member Kayla Branch, welcomed plans for a dedicated dementia wing. Branch noted that dementia cases are climbing worldwide and said the wing “will give caregivers relief and provide life-enriching care for those living with Alzheimer’s disease.”

Special Advisor on Elder Affairs Cynthia Forde paid tribute to the island’s seniors, calling them “our nation’s trailblazers,” and urged Barbadians to see elder and disability care as a collective responsibility.

Delivering the feature address, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey underscored government’s commitment to high standards and announced that an Elder and Disability Care Bill will soon be presented to Parliament.

“The legislation will establish clear standards for residential facilities and ensure that everyone—young or old, able-bodied or differently-abled—is treated with respect and dignity,” he said.

Humphrey also revealed that similar centres are planned for St. Thomas and St. George as part of a national strategy to support an aging population and promote inclusion.

Construction on the Sterling facility begins immediately, with the first phase focused on renovating the historic Sterling House. Officials say the complex will stand as a model for compassionate, community-based care and a tangible sign of Barbados’ commitment to its most vulnerable citizens.