Residents of the Queen Louise Home for the Aged will soon be moving to a new temporary residence while their longstanding facility undergoes critical structural repairs, according to the V.I. Department of Human Services. DHS said the relocation will begin on May 22 and remain in place through February 2026.
This relocation is necessary due to extensive damage sustained by the Queen Louise facility during Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, the department said. The current building, a two-story structure encompassing 16,000 square feet, has been operating at a reduced capacity since the storms, with only one floor functional and approximately 15 residents housed—half its original capacity of 30 residents.
DHS has chosen the Palms Court Harborview Hotel to temporarily host residents. According to the department, the decision followed careful evaluation of various options, with the hotel ultimately selected for its ability to meet both physical and emotional needs while keeping residents under the care of the same experienced staff. The facility offers a secure residential wing with gated access, a kitchen, ADA-compliant and standard living quarters, a generator to ensure comfort during power outages, and a dedicated social room to accommodate family and friend visits, according to the release.
DHS said planning for the relocation has been spearheaded by the Queen Louise Leadership Team in close coordination with clinical and administrative staff. The department has emphasized a “resident-centered transition plan” that includes increased staffing during the move and frequent wellness checks to protect the physical and emotional well-being of residents.
“The wellbeing of our seniors remains our highest priority,” said DHS Commissioner Averil George. “Our team worked diligently to identify a location that would feel as much like home as possible, while maintaining continuity of care and access to family and community. We are grateful to our partners at FEMA PA and CDBG-DR for their support in helping fund this transition.
