Located at Calle Volcán de las Arenas in the neighbourhood of El Sobradillo, in the Southwest of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, lies the future CAMP La Cuesta. Although still under construction, the expectation of the parents and carers of the users of this facility for individuals with psychological disabilities is that in just over a year, they will have a centre that sets the standard in the socio-sanitary sector of the island. According to Damián Melián, the vice president of the association, AMPA, their goal is clear: “We want to ensure our children are in good hands when we are no longer here.” Melián, accompanied by Luz María Morin (president) and David Peña (secretary) in key leadership positions, expressed, “I recently saw workers inside the building and tears of excitement welled up in my eyes.”
Families
The current CAMP La Cuesta, located at Calle Magistral Luis Pérez Reyes in the bustling neighbourhood of La Laguna, has become outdated. The journey towards its renovation has been described as “long and tough, spanning over thirty years,” says Melián, “but we now see light at the end of the tunnel thanks to the involvement of the Cabildo, for which we are grateful.” Despite the delays, which he acknowledges, “we must overlook.” Damián appreciates the efforts of the former president, who initiated the process, Antonia Rojas, as “an tireless fighter deserving utmost respect.” Sharing his personal story, he mentions, “My sister is here. Mary Carmen, aged 59 – I am 60 – who is entirely dependent.” Preserving the name CAMP La Cuesta is significant, as they are thankful to the Cabildo as the term “disabled” is clearly outdated, and the centre will not be situated in La Cuesta. “For us, that is its name,” Damián Melián asserts. Three decades of struggles have led to “families deteriorating and, particularly, ageing. Most of us are elderly, and some almost seniors.” Hence he emphasises, “we insist that when we are no longer here, there are guarantees of receiving the best care.”
Staff
The centre’s workforce consists of 60 professionals following recent additions. Considered a “family” by the AMPA vice president, who notes that “the staff ratio will need to be increased in the new facility.” The old one “will have to be repurposed as it does not meet the requirements for this use, such as deficiencies in accessibility.” He stresses “the excellent professionalism of a team where the various roles must be coordinated for proper care for individuals who sometimes require more than one specific caregiver.” He explains that “a physiotherapist, an educator, and a psychologist must collaborate on treatment or decisions that impact an individual’s file.” Another noteworthy aspect of the team, he points out, is “their vocational nature, from the director to the newest member. I even know that some have had better offers to leave, but they chose to stay.” He values, “In situations like those experienced in this centre, humanity and sensitivity are key factors. Many times, these qualities are not apparent until a close incident, usually within the family; you don’t consider them otherwise.”
The Project
The new CAMP La Cuesta boasts an investment exceeding seven million Euros, allowing for an expansion of residential spaces, adding a minimum of 50 more residential places along with 35 daytime care spots. It will also include facilities like a kitchen, outdoor areas, laundry services, and a therapeutic pool. Family members and professionals collaborated on the project to create living units designed as close to a home environment as possible. The initiative is highly sought-after due to its increased support for the community, improved specialized care, and enhanced quality of life for users through comprehensive services. The project is on the verge of commencing. Spanning across 4,926 square metres with a projected period of 17 months, the new CAMP La Cuesta is part of the Socio-Sanitary Infrastructures Plan of the Cabildo de Tenerife resulting from an agreement with the Government of the Canary Islands. The Island’s Social Action area anticipates a significant acceleration in the plan’s execution this year. Damián Melián concludes, “We are excited about having the new centre in just over a year. Then we will have to strive for the equipment and human and material resources. But those will be another story and another battle.”
