are to be presented to the Cabinet this week.

Engineers are to present a variety of proposals for how and where the home should be provided to replace the parish rest home that closed due to its poor condition in March.

It will be the first of its kind on the Island, incorporating sheltered accommodation, a residential home, and nursing care.

Health minister Nelson Bascome has been to America to look at facilities over their in a bid to create the best possible centre in Bermuda.

It is thought the home will provide accommodation for between 25 and 30 elderly residents, with two people staying in the independent sheltered suites, five in the rest home, and between ten to 15 in the nursing unit.

Five people could also be based in a skilled nursing unit, which will have round-the-clock attendants.

Mr. Bascome said the St George's rest home was closed because of its appalling conditions.

He said the bedrooms resembled "cubicles'' and general conditions were cramped.

But he said the new centre will provide all the comforts of home.

The minister added: "The engineers have several options to present to us.

They could be a variety of proposals.

"One might be to keep the shell of the old property that is already there; another one might be to buy a different property in St. George's and adapt it; another might be to build brand new. We don't know, yet.

"But the one thing we do know is that we have all the levels of care that the elderly require available in one place in St. George's. An elderly person could go into the home and be well enough to look after themselves and so need independent living space. As they age and become more dependent, they could be moved into the residential home, and then, if their health deteriorates, they could be transferred into the nursing unit.'' ST. GEORGE'S PAR