During 2011, extensive construction and technical work was carried out to refurbish spaces across all three departments. Within the first department, a room on the attic was adapted for the daily stay needs of users. Roofs were replaced on all buildings, and the modular building was fully insulated with panels. As part of these efforts, a new sanitary block was constructed adjacent to the modular accommodation pavilion, approximately 60 m2 in size. The second department saw the construction of a storage area, around 50 m2, for storing excess user belongings.
On the ground floor of the third department, a covered terrace of about 25 m2 was enclosed and adapted for use as a work therapy space. Additionally, a new room for daily stay needs, approximately 50 m2, was built and furnished with new furniture. Up until then, users had used somewhat spacious hallways as daily lounges. In the same year, computer equipment was modernized and ADSL internet was introduced. To enhance professional standards, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed in 2011 with the Public Institution "Dom starih Grabovac" in Risno, the institution "Naš dom" in Travnik, and the JUSZ Social Geriatric Center in Banja Luka. The agreement aimed to improve work quality and knowledge of staff at all levels through direct mutual contacts.
Works started in the previous year continued into 2012. On the first department, a new sanitary block was completed, with separate toilet facilities for male and female users for the first time. The space of the old sanitary block was repurposed to expand the clinic and medical offices, equipped with new inventory. The same was done with the old hairdressing salon. Works began to convert attic space into residential space, around 200 m2, to relieve overcrowded rooms. Additionally, central heating throughout this department was completely reconstructed. The entire electrical network was replaced, and a new fence was installed. A complete reconstruction of all four shared sanitary blocks was done on the third department. A new hairdressing salon was built, along with a small non-smoking lounge for users, a new storage room, a Lexan canopy in the courtyard, and an electrically locked fence with video surveillance around the entire department.
In 2013, attic space on the first department was converted into a accommodation pavilion, around 200 m2 in size. The existing laundry room was expanded, with a complete reorganization of tasks. The adaptation of the old attic (roof replacement, worn-out floor, electrical installation, room insulation, and sanitary block adaptation) began and was completed in 2014. On the second department, the existing clinic was renovated, and an intervention room was built, with worn furniture replaced. The reception block on the ground floor of the third department was completely reconstructed, including the creation of a visiting room. A new hairdressing salon was also added. At the end of the year, an agreement was signed with "Dom Danica Vogrinac" from Maribor, establishing long-term collaboration on projects and activities, exchanging experiences to improve working and living conditions for users.
In 2014, a lift was installed for users housed in attics. On the second department, the entire floor and part of the furniture were replaced. The pavilion for "Moj mali dom" accommodation was renovated, along with the central heating system. Solar panels for heating sanitary water were installed on the second and third departments. The entire institution was equipped with fire protection equipment according to current legal regulations, and video surveillance was installed in all departments.
The most significant task in 2015 was the start of reconstruction and relocation of garages, replacing them with a cafeteria and suitable space for carpentry and pottery workshops. A new delivery vehicle was also acquired. The institution presented its social protection services at a social services fair.
In 2016, in the modular pavilion of the first department, a warehouse, previously unused space, was adapted into a physiotherapy office. A separate entrance with a small waiting area and sanitary block was added. The physiotherapy office was equipped with state-of-the-art equipment (magnet, laser, ultrasound, and cervical and lumbar traction system). These services were intended for users, employees, and club members. A sports and recreational hall (multifunctional hall) was built in the courtyard of the third department. A new facade with insulation, a system of three interconnected boilers instead of the old boiler room, and energy-efficient LED lighting (now installed throughout all departments) were implemented to enhance energy efficiency and cost savings. The day lounge club was reconstructed, and the kitchen was modernized. As part of the Supported Housing project, three greenhouses for vegetable production were built at two locations (Aračka Street and Čika Ljubina Street), and around 250 apple trees were planted. A used passenger vehicle was also purchased...
In 2017, the café, kitchen area, and sanitary block were renovated, allowing users to socialize and engage in occupational therapy during summer on a large covered terrace. Part of the former garages on the first department were converted into new, more spacious carpentry and pottery workshops. A complete reconstruction of the club for day stay was done, including its kitchen block, sanitary facilities, and offices, with new kitchen equipment acquired. Funding from the Secretariat for Energy, Construction, and Transport enabled the construction of a boiler room building in the first department and installation of biomass boilers.
Finally, in 2018, the institution continued its transformation to modernize and improve operational efficiency. The year began with the reconstruction and adaptation of the basement area beneath the accommodation pavilion of the second department, around 300 m2 in size, and completion of roof reconstruction works on the third department. Attic space, around 320 m2, was refurbished with a large day lounge, space for a painting studio, library, cinema, etc., as well as a work therapy office, shared sanitary block, and six rooms with bathrooms for younger users. A room for communal user leisure, with coffee and tea facilities prepared by users, was set up within the cafeteria of the first department. The area known as the café was closed off, making it functional even in winter. Funds received in 2018 from provincial and national authorities ensured upcoming projects: replacement of corrugated iron and enhanced insulation on the courtyard pavilion of the second department; replacement of the metal roof on the administrative building and conversion of attic space of 90 m2 into functional space; complete reconstruction of three sanitary blocks on the second department, with replacement of plumbing and installation of new sanitary fixtures with sensors; installation of a new self-leveling epoxy floor and replacement of worn-out furniture in user rooms...
The realization of a project initiated in 2005, when the local government purchased the facility for reconstruction and adaptation, holds significant importance for the transformation of the institution and development of local services. In 2017, a detailed study of necessary investments for the entire institution was conducted in collaboration with the Office for Management of Public Investments. This study aimed to finance the reconstruction and adaptation of existing facilities, heating systems, fire hydrants, and roads. Works on these projects are expected to commence soon.
Throughout its existence, the institution has often changed its name, depending on user categories and types of activities. Until 1992, it was called "Dom za stare i penzionere" (Home for the Elderly and Pensioners). The name was then amended to include "with a department for mentally ill persons," reflecting its registration under a new diagnostic category: "Social protection of physically and mentally impaired adults not suitable for return to families." The opening of the Pensioners' Club in 1997, marking the introduction of new activities in non-institutional protection—daily community services—prompted another name change to "Gerontological Center." In 2002, this was further amended to include "with a department for mentally ill persons." With the new network of institutions from May 2008, a new name was adopted as the "Home for the Accommodation of Mentally Ill Persons Sveti Vasilije Ostroški - Miracle Worker" Novi Becej. Finally, in March 2012, Regulation on the network of institutions (Official Gazette No. 16/2012) led to our current name, the Institution for Adults and Elders "Sveti Vasilije Ostroški - Miracle Worker." Additionally, starting from April 2014, a process of transformation with deinstitutionalization and development of new community services has been initiated according to Ministry announcements.
Today, the institution is a modern socio-healthcare facility for the care of mentally ill adults and elderly persons within the network of social care institutions. Since 2002, its founder has been the Executive Council of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina.
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