Velehrad Institute completed a comprehensive renovation for 100 million

Velehrad (Uherskohradišťsko) - The Vincentinum Adult Social Care Institute in Velehrad, Uherskohradišťsko, operates in newly renovated facilities. After four years, the construction modifications, which cost approximately 100 million crowns, have been completed. Mentally disabled clients now have new living spaces and updated interior furnishings throughout the institute. The area in front of the institute has also been modernized. During today's ceremonial opening of the institute, the Archbishop of Olomouc, Jan Graubner, blessed the facility.
    The first phase of reconstruction, which began in 2003, included the renovation of the adjacent chateau and kitchen. A larger room for staff dining and a social hall was also created in the premises owned by the archbishopric. Gradually, while in operation, the renovation continued on the 50-year-old building situated between two church-owned properties. The investment was largely supported by the institute itself, with additional funding provided by the regional office as the institute's founder and the state.
    "In this building, which belongs to the state, accommodations for clients have been gradually adapted to single and double rooms. New social facilities have also been built, and the rooms have modern furnishings," said the institute's director, Milena Marečková, to reporters today. Most rooms have ensuite social facilities. Only in the part of the institute where clients with more severe types of dementia reside are there shared bathrooms and other facilities. The renovated spaces meet current standards and needs.
    Currently, fifty people live in the institute. The oldest resident will turn 98 this year, while the youngest is 24. Before 1989, the Velehrad institute was one of the largest in the Czech Republic. However, new facilities began to be built in the surrounding area over time. A new institute, into which 130 clients moved, was established in Velehrad. Another 60 people relocated to the nearby Old Town, and 80 transitioned to an institute in Kunovice, also in Uherskohradišťsko.
    However, the completion of the renovation does not mark the end of investment in the area. According to Marečková, the institute further plans to create facilities for therapeutic workshops. Occupational therapy is currently conducted in cramped quarters within one room. Mentally disabled individuals craft items from metal, wood, or weave baskets. Some of them also do weaving. The institute is staffed by 34 employees, including 17 healthcare workers in direct care.
    The institute is located in the historical center of Velehrad in the buildings of the former Jesuit monastery, from which the monks were forcibly evicted. In close proximity are the Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and Saints Cyril and Methodius, as well as the Church-sponsored Stojan Gymnasium.