T7 Dementia Unit Refresh

As the population ages and people live longer, the demand for quality dementia care has never been higher in Manitoba. In addition to the growing number of people who require dementia care, the needs of those living with mild to severe dementia require advanced healthcare strategies to ensure their well-being. Many of these strategies have been pioneered at Deer Lodge Centre.

The five Deer Lodge Centre Dementia Units continue to lead in providing quality care for Manitobans with dementia, though new models of dementia care include introducing interactivity areas that promote personal enjoyment and sensory stimulation that enhances residents’ quality of life.

Deer Lodge Centre Dementia Units are poised to meet the growing demand for quality health care in Manitoba. Major enhancements to accommodate the growing demand for innovations in design and environment are planned.

DEER LODGE CENTRE HAS LAUNCHED AN AMBITIOUS PLAN TO REFRESH THE T7 DEMENTIA UNIT.

Purpose-built environments such as a kitchen, workshop, nursery, or business office will be designed to stimulate pre-dementia experiences. As well, objects of everyday living will be found in the Dementia Units. Musical instruments, interactive dolls or robotic pets, clothing items and ‘memory trunks’ will be perfect for exploring by residents. The transformation from an institutional setting to a home environment will bring the newest innovations in health care to our residents. There is no cure for dementia, but because of your support, we can improve the quality of life for people who have given so much.

New, colour-coded hallways will provide important familiar landmarks for residents in dementia care. They will act as wayfinding points and help individuals locate their personal space on the unit.

Additionally, newly renovated food service areas within the common dining room will go beyond meeting the daily dietary needs of residents. More importantly, they will become a rich source of memory-triggering aromas (such as the smell of fresh baking) associated with our resident’s family life.