The so-called Care Island takes a decisive step today. The Cabildo of Lanzarote has initiated the construction of the Tahíche Elderly Residence and Day Care Centre, an infrastructure that is set to significantly change the socio-healthcare landscape of the Archipelago, as highlighted by the Institution.
The island president, Oswaldo Betancort, accompanied by the president of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, the vice-president of the Cabildo, María Jesús Tovar, the mayor of Teguise, Olivia Duque, and the councillor for Social Welfare and Inclusion, Marci Acuña, visited the construction site this morning, emphasising the importance of this “fundamental project for ensuring the well-being of the elderly and dependent individuals on the island.”
Betancort recalled that the initiative had been stalled for years, stating that “only now, through effort and our own resources, have we unlocked an essential project for Lanzarote and La Graciosa.” In the same vein, Clavijo emphasised the need to “continue expanding the number of socio-healthcare places in the Canary Islands with a model focused on the users and their families.”
A Modern and Human Infrastructure
The Tahíche Residence will offer 125 new places, with 75 designated for high socio-healthcare needs and 50 for day care. This will make it the sixth elderly residence on the island, increasing the total number of available places by 25%, surpassing one thousand.
Councillor Marci Acuña announced that the complex, awarded to the company SATOCAN S.A. with a budget exceeding 16 million euros, will consist of four interconnected, modern, and sustainable buildings, with spaces adapted for both the elderly and their caregivers.
The residential model will be based on living units of up to 15 individuals, recreating a home-like environment and promoting autonomy. Additionally, 65% of the rooms will be single, with garden patios, terraces, areas for physiotherapy, stimulation, social work and psychology, as well as services including a café, hair salon, chapel, and therapeutic pool.
The construction of the Tahíche Residence will not only strengthen the socio-healthcare network but will also generate direct employment during the construction and in the future management of the centre, the Institution explained. “This represents a historic milestone that illustrates the Cabildo’s commitment to the quality of life of our elderly and dependent individuals,” concluded Betancort.
The project is scheduled for completion within 24 months.
