Nice: The Little Sisters of the Poor reorganize across two sites to improve the care pathway for seniors

The nearly two-hundred-year-old congregation is reorganizing around two flagship projects: the complete overhaul of the historic Saint-Joseph site, and the opening of a new inclusive housing facility on the heights of Cimiez.

In order to preserve its spirit and offer quality accommodation to its residents, the Saint-Joseph house run by the Little Sisters of the Poor intends to undergo a makeover soon. The congregation, present in Nice since 1862, has been welcoming destitute elderly people until the natural end of their lives within its nursing home in eastern Nice since 1975.

Modernization of the Saint-Joseph site

Gardening, peeling vegetables, setting the table or even helping to prepare Mass… These are all everyday activities that allow Saint-Joseph residents to maintain their independence. A beneficial spirit that the establishment prides itself on, with eight centenarians among its residents.

Located on rue de la Gendarmerie, between the Don Bosco Foundation and the Department’s Solidarity House, the Saint-Joseph house spans seven floors. The facility currently welcomes 70 residents in its main building. But “building maintenance is starting to cost a lot”, confides Sister Rosemary, director of the Saint-Joseph facility and superior mother of the community.

Of Scottish origin, she has been in position in Nice for three years. Since her arrival, she has been pursuing this objective, relying on the congregation’s funds and providence for financing: “If God is with us, it will happen”, she explains. Project financing will be achieved in particular through collections shared by the congregation, door-to-door canvassing, and collections conducted locally by the Little Sisters of the Poor.

Local public authorities should also contribute to the complete reconstruction project of the building: “The City of Nice and the Alpes-Maritimes Department approve our projects and will contribute to them. It is in their interest, as it will improve the neighborhood by connecting the new house with the Paillon promenade”, continues the Mother Superior.

A “shared vision”

To modernize the site, the existing structure should completely disappear. Construction is expected to begin shortly and last between four and five years. Residents will not be displaced during the work, which will be carried out in three phases. One wing of the building has already been emptied for this purpose.

The outline of the new building is the result of joint work between residents, staff, the Little Sisters, and the project architects. Born from a “shared and practical vision”, its objective is to have “a more pleasant building that opens up to the outside. This will have an impact on the neighborhood and will allow non-resident seniors to be welcomed to participate in daytime activities”. This will also allow the sisters to be “more present with residents, in a human-scaled space”. A project rooted in simplicity and plans to use ecological materials.

The nursing home status will be preserved and will consist of two houses of 12 beds each. New feature: the site will have an independent living residence, which will house approximately 25 independent seniors. Spread across two floors and several houses, the project should see the total number of places decrease: 50 are planned in total at Saint-Joseph. A number in line with that of sisters and staff present on site, which has been decreasing in recent years: 13 sisters and 4 permanent nurses are among the site’s staff.

A new complete pathway

A few kilometers away, renovation of the interior of the Sainte-Claire monastery (the former Clarisse convent located on rue Sainte-Colette, editor’s note) is underway. The new site is part of the congregation’s major redevelopment plan. With its opening, the Little Sisters of the Poor are diversifying their offerings by welcoming independent seniors to live in community.

At Sainte-Colette, work has already begun since December 2025. The program includes “small houses in three sectors, each consisting of eight rooms and a kitchen with a dining area. This way, residents will gather for meals, live together and participate in activities” explains Sister Catherine, who oversees the project.

In total, “24 rooms of 25m² with water point and toilets” will be created. The age range of residents who will establish residence there will be between 65 and 70 years old. The Sainte-Colette construction site should be completed by the end of the year. The cost of this work amounts to 5 million euros.

In summary, the two projects will combine to reach a total of 73 residents, distributed across two locations situated 3 kilometers apart. The houses will be coordinated with each other to provide a complete pathway adapted to seniors in need, at all stages of their senior lives.