DHS Moves to Rebuild Homes for the Aged and Replace Knud Hansen Complex in Major Long-Term Overhaul

The V.I. Department of Human Services is in the early stages of rehabilitating and rebuilding three critical buildings under its stewardship, two of which provide vital services to the territory’s elders.

During Tuesday’s meeting of the Committee on Health, Hospitals, and Human Services, DHS Commissioner Averil George told lawmakers that her department is “executing a dual-track strategy” for the Queen Louise and Herbert Grigg Homes for the Aged. The strategy involves “stabilizing current operations” while “advancing long-term redevelopment designed to restore CMS-certified nursing facility capacity.” The federal certification is established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Residents at the Queen Louise Home for the Aged in St. Thomas were recently relocated to temporary accommodations at Palms Court Harborview. The move for the 13 residents was “to allow for necessary structural and environmental repairs to the existing facility,” Ms. George said.

The residents are expected to remain temporarily housed at Palms Court for approximately 9 months. That stay comes at a cost of approximately $578,340 for the full period.