Elderly face off on track for sports day in Guys Hill
Published:Monday | August 25, 2025 | 12:06 AMRasbert Turner/Gleaner Writer
Conceptualised out of a desire to care for those in need of a homely environment, especially the elderly and infirm, the the SP Home Away From Home for the Elderly came into operation on September 1, 2023.
Recently, the operators of the home for 21 elderly persons, spanning ages 66 to 94 years old, tried a novel approach to home care, adding a sports extravaganza which saw the residents compete against each other in various racing competitions.
“It is a great relief to the family to see our grandfather being cared and also being kept active with the addition of sports. Sports of any type engages the mind so we are very pleased,” said Monica Mason.
Mason was among the relatives of residents who turned out for the August 13, 2025 event at the facility.
For Michelle Dalhouse, although her relative at the institution suffers from Alzheimer’s, his excitement was evident.
“I have seen him smile after watching his fellow residents participate. We are pleased to see laughter and fun add to the treatment. It gives hope to us, the loved ones, who pay for the residents,” Dalhouse said.
Hyacinth Day-Smith, who participated in the racing activities, was thankful and looking forward to the next extravaganza.
“A long long time I don’t race. So, today I really feel good and I trust that the operator will do it again soon,” Day-Smith said.
Among the activities were a lime-and-spoon race, wheelchair races, walker races and potato race. They each brought howls of laughter, oohs and aahs for those in attendance.
In the meantime, Shamay Woodhouse, the operator of the home, said the staff works with each resident and caters to them according to their specific needs.
“We see them as family and we treat them as family. Therefore, the sports day forms part of a holistic approach to show the fun side of life to our clients,” Woodhouse said.
Woodhouse declared that being a nurse has helped her hone the skill of dealing with the sick under SP’s care, and that her staff of six nurses has served to strengthen that resolve.
For the privately operated home, nestled on the border of St Mary Western and St Catherine North Eastern, The Gleaner was informed, the aim is to see continued success and joy among the residents, staff and community alike.