The Pines is a non-profit and charitable organization that was established to provide residential accommodation for the elderly. The Pines was formally opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1983 as a Retirement Home, primarily to meet the needs of independent elderly citizens during their retirement. The objectives of the Home have shifted over the last number of years from being a retirement home to a nursing home in response to the needs of the community and the high care requirements of many of its residents
The Pines provides 24-hour nursing care to elderly individuals who suffer from a variety of chronic conditions, most commonly strokes, dementia, diabetes, arthritis, and depression. The individual needs of each resident are assessed and continuous evaluation helps to provide not only for physical health but also for well-being of the individual as a whole. Seriously and terminally ill residents receive nursing care appropriate for their condition with the support and guidance of their family physician. Emphasis is placed on involving the resident’s natural supports, including family and friends, in the care plan. Visiting is unrestricted and relatives and friends are welcome to stay for a meal with the resident.
The Pines welcomes people of all faiths and nationalities. Care is taken to provide a relaxed and home-like environment, while preserving the dignity of residents. Residents have a charter of rights and can refuse treatment, see their medical records, and make decisions about their care. Each resident who is well enough chooses his/her own pattern of life including rising time/bed time, diet and menu, and activity preferences.
The Pines is managed by a voluntary Board of Directors who are actively involved in charting the direction and strategic plan of the Home. Officers of the Board come from various professional backgrounds. The Pines is proud to have, among other professionals, the expertise of an attorney, a quantity surveyor, a former Managing Director of a bank, an accountant, and an insurance professional. Members of the community are also sought in order to provide input at board meetings including representatives from local churches, businesses, and service clubs. In addition, representation from various organizations and government departments including the Pink Ladies Volunteer Corps, the National Council of Voluntary Organizations (NCVO), the Department of Children and Family Services, Cayman Islands Health Services Authority, and the Ministry of Health and Human Services exists in order to provide guidance to the Officers. Indeed, the talents of many different individuals with a range of expertise and perspectives provide strong leadership to the Home and have the capacity to successfully coordinate a large-scale project such as the future building plans of The Pines.
The Pines presently has 35 staff who provide around-the-clock care to residents of the Home. The day-to-day management and supervision of the Home is the responsibility of the Manager. She brings with her a wealth of experience both as a Registered Nurse/Midwife as well as formal training in health care management. A Nursing Supervisor, who is a qualified Registered Nurse with experience in geriatric medicine, provides clinical guidance and supervision to the health care team. Registered Nurses and Enrolled Nurses/Licensed Practical Nurses develop the care plan and provide ongoing monitoring and management of each resident’s condition. A team of experienced Health Care Assistants implement the care plan and assist residents to complete their Activities of Daily Living. (ADLs) The Pines also employs one Activities Assistant who carries out the schedule of daily
activities with the residents. Several ancillary staff including cooks, housekeepers, laundresses and one maintenance officer contribute to a comfortable and safe environment for residents. Care is taken to recruit staff who understand the philosophy and aims of The Pines. The staffing model enables the Home to offer individualized care and cope with varying diagnosis and degrees of dependency. Staffing levels are well-monitored and increase when necessary. Staff enjoy their work and are motivated to provide the tender loving care that the residents deserve.
