NEW GLASGOW
There is a beautiful new "bookcase" recently installed in the Whispering Tide resident care area at Glen Haven Manor that is having a positive impact for residents with dementia.
The book case is not an actual bookcase but rather a door wrap that covers the double doors with the image of a classic bookcase similar to what one might find in the library area of a spacious seaside home.
The wrap is much more than aesthetically pleasing as it serves to reduce or eliminate the desire of residents to leave the Whispering Tide area when the doors open for staff and visitors to enter.
Multi-media designer Jon Raven Visser, who provides creative services for Glen Haven, designed the wrap to create an image of the classic bookshelf with a water-based theme that is celebrated throughout Glen Haven. The bookshelf image has rows of books accompanied by a treasure chest, a piece of driftwood, which is a photo of an actual piece found on a Northumberland Shore beach, a large seashell and a watercolour painting of a lighthouse and a seagull. The watercolour paintings over the glass windows are perforated vinyl so that it looks like artwork from one side but from the other it is a regular view for security and safety.
Also new to Glen Haven are door wraps on the elevators that feature a beach scene that ascends from the water and sand at the basement level to a progressive viewpoint that shows the golden beach, rippling waves and blue skies.
The concept of the elevator wraps was the idea of Alicia MacIntyre, a CCA at Glen Haven, and the project was implemented by Visser with Pauline Marks, director of Health, Wellness and Nutrition. Both wraps were printed and installed by another local business, Auto Trim.
Another decor installation that has recently taken place has been for the Water Wave Salon at Glen Haven. This installation, which features graphics of stylized beach waves on the entrance of the salon, has helped create a professional salon ambience. It adds a nice touch to the hair services provided by Glen Haven and offered by hair stylist Jeannie Cameron as well as enhancing the decor. Upcoming will be door wraps featuring a hot air balloon and water image to be placed on the service elevators, which are primarily used by staff.
All Glen Haven resident care areas, Serenity Springs/Ocean Drive, Crystal Waters/Silver Creek and Whispering Tide/River Glen, have also been recently painted with updated colour schemes. Also, new cupboards, new sofa furniture, and new outdoor patio furniture will be in place for the summer.
“Just like spring time in our own houses, it is a time of year for us to freshen things up and to do renovations and upgrades. Glen Haven is the home of our residents and we are excited to add features, whether it is a fresh coat of paint or new furniture and décor, which add comfort and beauty for their well-being and enjoyment,” says CEO Lisa M. Smith. “The door wrap on Whispering Tide has been very well received by the residents as they enjoy the new décor. It is important to find ways to give residents with dementia a soothing environment that enables them to enjoy common areas together and with family and friends.
