A WEEK of activities focusing on seniors will kick off on Sunday with the Annual Seniors' Tea on the lawn of Camden, Premier Alex Scott announced yesterday.

Mr. Scott, who will host the event with his wife Olga, said yesterday that more than 1,000 seniors had been invited.

During a press conference at the Cabinet Office yesterday, Health & Family Services Minister Patrice Minors also announced that work on the new residential facility to house 43 seniors in St. George's was progressing well and was due to be completed early in the New Year, on schedule.

Work started nine months ago on the facility, which is to replace the former St. George's Parish Rest Home that closed in February 2000.

Premier Scott said he and the many volunteers who made the Seniors' Tea possible were striving to make the event "one of the best ever".

"We pay homage to our seniors because they are the foundation upon which this beautiful island has been built," Premier Scott said.

"This Government is therefore determined to do all within its power to ensure that our seniors enjoy the fruits of their labours. Our seniors will not be ignored. They must and will benefit from our economic success. And under this Government, their burdens shall be lessened."

Every senior present will be photographed and offered a snapshot of themselves to remember the occasion. The Bermuda Regiment Band and Ruth Thomas & Company will perform.

Mr. Scott said younger people had also been invited to the Tea to converse with and learn from their elders, whom he described as "our legends".

The Seniors' Tea will be held from 3 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.

Minister Minors said the St. George's Residential Care Facility for Seniors would address the lack of elder care facilities in the eastern parishes.

"The new facility will provide housing and care for a range of abilities, from independent living to seniors requiring skilled nursing care," Mrs. Minors said.

"In addition, there will be a secure Alzheimer's / Dementia Care Unit and support for elderly couples who wish to remain together. There will be a total 36 rooms, accommodating 43 seniors.

"A day care programme will provide services and activities for additional seniors. Seniors will be able to enjoy the use of a hairdressing salon, chapel and library."

Mrs. Minors said the facility would be the model for elder care of the future. It will incorporate a wooded area, walking path, gardening area and outdoor terrace and most of the bedrooms will have balconies.