The arrival of a new year brings hope for change to people of all walks of life.

It presents a chance to start over again and to become a better person.

Resolutions are made to lose weight, get a better job, be kinder, and to quit smoking, among other things.

In keeping with this tradition of resolution-making, The Royal Gazette asked some of the care-givers to the elderly, the handicapped, and the sick what they hoped for themselves and their patients for the new year.

Willard Fox, chairman of the Bermuda Physically Handicapped Association, said his resolution was to see the physically handicapped get more involved in the community, government, and committees.

"They need to be visible so people can see they are important and intelligent people,'' Mr. Fox said, "I also hope to further educate the public about the handicapped's needs in the way of jobs, socialising, and having access to transportation and buildings.'' He said many handicapped people were confined to their beds, rooms and wheelchairs.

Ianthia Wade at Summerhaven said her resolution for the residents was for them to "take a complete look at themselves and to try to improve physically, mentally, and spiritually.

"Many times people only focus on one or two when they should try to develop all three,'' Mrs. Wade added.

Ann Smith Gordon, president of PALS, said her resolution was for PALS to "continue providing cancer patients at home with the highest quality of care and comfort possible and to support and assist their families. She also said PALS hoped to continue its service "without charge to the residents to the extent of the resources of PALS.'' Marilyn Simmons, a unit coordinator at the Extended Care Unit, has as her personal resolution "to be a good role model and to continue giving quality care to the elderly and long-term residents of ECU.'' Ellen Douglas, executive director of Hope Homes, said she was determined to "ensure continued love, warmth and friendship to residents and co-workers.

"I also hope to encourage more community sensitivity and understanding of the plight of the persons with intellectual challenges and that of their care-givers,'' she added.

Barbara Frith, administrator of Meals on Wheels, said her resolution was to work towards extending the service to five days a week adding that she hoped there would be enough volunteers to achieve the goal.

Evelyn Latham, Candy Striper supervisor for the Bermuda Hospitals Auxiliary, said she had resolved to be as helpful to everyone as she could and to assist in keeping them in good health.

"Working around here (the hospital) makes one appreciate good health,'' she said. "When one has good health they have everything.'' Fern Wade, coordinator of the Hands of Love ministry, said her resolution was to help the community to become more aware of the homeless.

She said she hoped that Bermuda could some day have a National Homeless Awareness Day to deal with this issue.

"I also hope the churches will burn with love for all in the community and that the flames will help burn out some of the social ills in the community,'' Mrs. Wade said.

RESOLVING TO HELP -- Marilyn Simmons, unit coordinator of the extended care unit, pictured with ECU resident 70-year-old Sarah Seymour.