Councillor Iain Cameron officially opened the redesigned Cedar floor at Elmbrook Court on Friday, July 25. The transformed space now offers a serene and supportive environment for those living with dementia.
During the visit, Councillor Cameron explored the new facilities, which include dementia-friendly elements such as vibrant pink corridor light shades to aid in navigation, a multi-sensory room, a ‘curiosity table’ filled with engaging items, and a nostalgic dressing table aimed at evoking comforting memories.
Rebecca Warman, the general manager at Elmbrook Court, commented on the increased demand for memory care, noting that 80 percent of their inquiries are related to this need. She said, “While our home provides a lively, stimulating environment for most of our dementia residents, Cedar offers a different atmosphere. It caters to those who are less mobile, have more sensory needs, or enjoy smaller group or individual activities.”
The new design incorporates bright pink light shades to assist residents with way-finding, and blinds have been installed in the dining room to manage the disorienting effect of the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Resident Jean Burness, who recently moved to the Cedar floor, has shown remarkable progress. Her daughter, Christine Rossiter, shared, “The transition has been positive. I’m excited to visit her now, as she enjoys the calm environment and one-on-one interactions. She’s even made a friend, which is heartening to see.”
Additionally, the care team is implementing an AI system to evaluate residents’ pain levels. This advanced technology analyzes facial expressions and combines it with a series of assessments to provide a comprehensive pain score. Ms. Warman noted, “This technology is invaluable for residents who have difficulty communicating verbally, enhancing our team’s ability to provide tailored care.”
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