Our Story

Jeanne Jugan began her work of caring for the elderly in France . The Little Sisters of the Poor have continued this work in Greenock since 1884. They arrived in February of that year to take up residence in a house in Union Street , which they first rented and then purchased. Only days after the arrival of first of the Sisters on February 19 th 1884 , their first resident, Helen McKay arrived. Others closely followed her until by June of the same year the residents numbered thirty. Since then the Little Sisters have become part of the community offering care to those in need regardless of creed. This has been made possible not only by their own dedication but by the generosity of the people of Greenock and the surrounding area. From the time they arrived in the town, the people took the Little Sisters to their heart and helped to provide necessities, such as food and fuel, for the Sisters and those in their care.

In 1889 the Sisters purchased their third house in Union Street . These houses were joined by a series of corridors to form one home in 1906, which became the Holy Rosary Residence.

During the Second World War the Sisters continued to care for those who needed them, and among the many visitors they received were the officers and men from one the French Warships anchored in the Clyde . On the night of May 6 th 1941 enemy planes flew overhead throughout the night and half the town was destroyed an yet the home did not even have one broken pane of glass.

Following the introduction of the 1948 Health Act the home received its first certificate of registration in 1950.It has undergone numerous upgrades since including the installation of lifts, which made life easier for all concerned.
More recently a day centre was built in the grounds to help meet the needs of elderly people who lived in the surrounding area.

In 1982 the Sisters and residents celebrated two great events. First the visit of Pope John Paul II to Bellahouston Park , Glasgow on June 1st , which was attended by nine of the Sisters and some of the residents. Those who stayed at home watched the whole event on television. The other great event was the Beatification of the Foundress, Venerable Jeanne Jugan, in Rome , an event attended by two of the Sisters and four residents. A special Mass was celebrated in St. Laurence's Church in October to mark the Beatification.

Over the years through wear and tear, and despite the changes, which were made to the facilities, it became clear that the home could no longer meet the needs of the elderly residents. In 2000 it was decided to demolish the existing premise and build a modern home on the site.

This was not an easy decision, yes it would mean that the residents would be cared for in facility more suited to their needs, but new homes had to be found for the existing residents. Some transferred to local nursing homes while others transferred to the Little Sisters homes in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

In May 2000 the last two residents, Peggy Burke and Bridget McClintock were transferred to St. Joseph 's Residence in Glasgow . So ending 116 years of caring. A closure Mass was held on 29 th June 2000 , which was attended by many people who had had connections with the home over the years.

In Spring 2001 work began demolishing the old residence and a new era began with the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the new facility which took place on the 19th March 2002 .
The new home was completed and welcomed residents and staff in 2004.