Project creates homelike environment for seniors living with dementia

Murals, paintings made possible through Tofield & Area Health Services Foundation

Story by Amelia Schofield

A new initiative at the Tofield Health Centre is helping to improve the quality of life for continuing care residents who are living with dementia.

Modelled after the Butterfly Project, developed by Britain’s Dr. David Sheard, the site's secured continuing care unit has been adapted to create a more comfortable, community-like environment for residents. Through the project, a series of therapeutic murals, decals and paintings were installed throughout the unit to encourage residents to recreate experiences and memories from their past.

AHS recreation therapist Nicole Kulba led the initiative alongside students Kristy Holdis and Stephanie Hewlett, who are currently completing work placements through the University of Lethbridge’s recreation therapy program. The enhancements were funded through a $15,000 contribution from the Tofield and Area Health Services Foundation.

“The research shows that the physical environment within continuing care facilities plays an important role in the care of individuals with dementia,” says Kulba. “With this project, we’ve been able to create an atmosphere that is calming to residents, providing interventions that add both purpose and value to their daily lives.

“For example, we were able to install signage and murals that made the dining room area feel like a café. We also added bookshelf decals and trees to the doors and walls to provide residents with spaces they can engage with.”

In addition to the enhanced decor within the unit, Kulba, Holdis and Hewlett have led new educational opportunities for staff.

“We’ve been able to present to the unit staff about dementia care, and to provide education on how to use the new spaces effectively,” says Holdis. “We’ve received great feedback that the education has been helpful for those working on the unit.”

Hewlett adds: “In school, we often talk about the changes we want to make, but in this case, we were fortunate to be part of such a large project from the onset.

“It means a lot to us to be involved in something like this that will really make a difference for the residents.”

“We’re so pleased with the positive impact these enhancements have had on our residents,” says Lynn Damberger, care manager, Home Care & Long Term Care for Tofield Health Centre.

“The new murals and paintings have greatly enhanced the flow and purpose of the space, and have created a beautiful, calming environment for the individuals who call our unit home.”

The new improvements were made possible through a donation to the foundation by Bob Crosland in memory of his mother, Edith Crosland, along with other community support. In recognition of Mr. Crosland’s gift, one of the newly decorated hallways is named the Edith Crosland Memorial Gardens.

“My mom would have loved this,” says Mr. Crosland. “Nicole and the recreation team have changed it from a stagnate medical model to something really incredible. It’s a 10 out of 10!”

Brenda Chehade, foundation chair, says: “The family wanted the money to be used to make the lives of the residents better.

“The Foundation board asked if there was anything that could be done, and it didn’t take Nicole (Kulba) long to present us with the murals and how they would impact everyone on the unit. The Foundation is so pleased to have the family’s wishes granted in such an impactful way.”

Kulba concludes: “We’re so fortunate to have the support of the Foundation and the Tofield community for this project.

“The funding provided by the Foundation will have a long-lasting impact on our residents — and provide them with the comfortable, homelike environment they deserve.”

For more information on the Tofield and Area Health Services Foundation, visit tofieldhealthfoundation.ca.