“We’re grateful to The Foundation for enabling us to bring the great outdoors inside in a way that really benefits patients on the unit.”
The flowers bloom all year round, the butterflies never fly south for the winter and the skies are always blue.
Thanks to donor funding, a multipurpose room used by the Behavioural Health Program at St. Peter’s Hospital has undergone much-needed renovations.
“The room has been completely transformed so it feels like a beautiful courtyard garden,” explains neuropsychologist Dr. Joanna Sue. “This allows our patients to feel like they’re outside in nature, even during the winter months.”
The renovations are more than cosmetic, as the room plays an essential role in the care of patients with dementia. The room will be used for patient dining, family visiting and therapeutic activities.
“Creating an environment like this has a calming effect for many of our patients,” says Dr. Sue. “It may bring back positive memories of times spent in beautiful courtyards like this, which can reduce responsive behaviours.”
Patients with dementia may exhibit responsive behaviours such as agitation, restlessness or increased withdrawal from social interaction. The renovated space is a valuable resource to improve a patient’s state of mind.
Printed artwork of a courtyard setting completely covers every wall to create an immersive environment once you enter the room. A simulated wood fireplace makes the space feel even more welcoming for patients and they are able to enjoy “picking” artificial flowers from the wall.
“We’re grateful to The Foundation for enabling us to bring the great outdoors inside in a way that really benefits patients on the unit.”
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