Meaningful images enhance resident wellbeing

A retro 1950s kitchen. A calming nursery. A lively potting shed. These are just a few of the new Sensory-scapes in peopleCare long-term care Homes helping to support the emotional wellbeing of residents.

These innovative wall murals portray familiar scenes that evoke fond memories, offering residents a meaningful opportunity to reminisce and reflect on an earlier time in life.

 
For example, peopleCare Hilltop Manor’s new reminiscing room includes a number of eye-catching murals and interactive sensory props that incorporate common therapeutic practices for people living with dementia. Helping to bring these beautiful graphics to life, sensory props include items like watering cans, vintage baking tools and a recipe book for families to write down their favourite recipes with their loved one.
 

 
One of the many ways peopleCare team members work to enrich resident experiences, Charity Votary, Director of Programs at peopleCare Hilltop Manor, says she was excited to help bring Sensory-scapes into the Home.
 
“From the kitchen and nursery to the laundry station, potting shed and window overlooking the Grand River, each mural has a purpose in supporting resident wellbeing,” says Votary. “Since our grand reveal a couple weeks ago, we’ve already seen the value of the room in creating an enhanced environment for our residents.”
 

 
At Delhi Long-Term Care, the team is working to incorporate images into the Home that hold deep meaning within Norfolk County, such as its rich farming history. According to Kristen Leal, Director of Programs and Lifestyle at Delhi Long-Term Care, their goal is to provide residents with the opportunity to indulge themselves in these images and feel connected to their community.
 
“By choosing images that reflect our local area and those who spent time living and working in it, our aim is to support our residents in feeling a sense of belonging,” says Leal. “Our residents are important members of their community, and we always want them to feel connected, comfortable and that their history is being respected.”
 

 
Bringing these new Sensory-scapes into peopleCare Homes is one example of our team members’ continued commitment to resident-centred innovation that creates meaningful and enhanced experiences. Always asking “what more can we do?,” peopleCare is also currently exploring opportunities to partner with leading gerontologists and other specialists to help us successfully introduce more emotion-based models of care across our Homes.