Mont Vista in Athlone (image: Google)

Sisters at Mont Vista home to move from Athlone

La Sainte Union sisters, the order associated with Our Lady's Bower in Athlone, announced today (Friday) that the residents of its Mont Vista nursing home on the Retreat Road in Athlone will be moving to a new facility in Kildare in the coming months.

The Sisters say it has been evident for some time that the facilities to adequately care for their Sisters and for other residents needing nursing care, are not available in Mont Vista.

The move doesn't mean that the order will have no remaining presence in Athlone, as a number of its sisters will continue to reside in the local community.

In a statement issued today, it was explained that the primary concern in choosing the new location in Kildare was providing the best care for the Mont Vista residents and ensuring that the 13 Sisters who live in the nursing home would be able to stay together.

The Firstcare Mountpleasant Lodge Nursing Home in Kilcock is in the process of creating an entire wing especially for the 13 La Sainte Sisters and are liaising closely with their families to ensure they are happy with the new choice of home.

The La Sainte Union Sisters will also liaise closely with the families of the three other residents at Mont Vista to select the best quality care and facilities in the most suitable location.

The transition of all residents to their new homes will take place gradually in order to create the least disruption possible.

La Sainte Union Sisters have a long history, tradition and relationship with the local community in Athlone and have expressed considerable sadness that Mont Vista cannot provide the necessary facilities for the future care of residents.

“The investment required to provide such facilities and care into the future is not a feasible option for the Congregation,' the order commented.

Nor is it feasible or possible to consider further adapting or redeveloping Mont Vista to meet current standards and future care needs. We have not made this decision lightly. Careful consideration has been given to all aspects of the Nursing Home.

“We are very aware that our decision to close Mont Vista will bring sadness to many and we regret this. The care of our residents however, continues to be paramount for all of us.

It is our sincere wish that we can facilitate this time of transition with the least possible disruption to the daily lives of the residents and to the general running of Mont Vista.

“We wish to express at this time, our deep appreciation and gratitude to all our staff in Mont Vista, for the excellent care they have given to all our residents over the years.”