From promoting relaxation to stimulating conversation, Golden Plough Lodge resident and family services manager Leyla Attis is excited about the inclusion of a sensory room in the new long-term care home being built in Cobourg.
Attis looks forward to having this unique feature, where scenes of serene environments like the ocean or forest will be projected on the walls, as part of the new 180-bed facility.
Construction work continues on the new facility, which is being built on Courthouse Road adjacent to the existing 151-bed Golden Plough Lodge — the only municipally operated long-term care home in Northumberland County. The new facility is slated to open later this year.
Attis presently offers a sensory program for residents but having a room will substantially elevate that experience, she said.
“It’s a very, very successful program for our residents,” Attis said.
The sensory program help ease agitation that sometimes accompanies dementia. It’s also grounding, and the overall health benefits are “outstanding,” she noted.
“I’ve wanted to have a room dedicated to sensory (programming) — I’ve wanted something that was always there,” she noted.
The room will offer a virtual reality experience through a projector. The manager can tailor the scenery to accommodate residents’ individual needs and tastes. She can incorporate aromatherapy and lighting to further create the desired atmosphere.
Employees and family members can also enjoy the space, Attis said.
“It’s very meditative.”
Northumberland County recently highlighted the sensory room in its email update about the progress of the new Golden Plough Lodge. The county said the room is “a ground-breaking addition” that “promises to enhance the well-being of our residents.”
“Traditionally associated with children, media sensory rooms are increasingly recognized as invaluable tools for seniors and adults with disabilities,” the county noted.
“In this dedicated space, equipped with the latest therapy technology, residents will engage their senses through a variety of stimuli, including fibre optic lighting, aroma diffusers, colour-changing projectors, and virtual reality projections.”
The sensory room “will serve as a haven” for residents, offering a way for them to relax and reconnect with their past, if appropriate.
Residents can virtually revisit their hometowns, Attis noted, as she can pull up Google maps to display on the walls.
“The team is looking forward to the positive impact this innovative program will have on the lives of our residents, fostering a sense of joy, tranquility, and connection and most importantly, elevate the quality of life for our residents where they can truly engage with their senses and create lasting memories.”
The new Golden Plough Lodge will include a combination of one-bed and two-bed rooms across six resident home areas. The county said its design features are aimed at providing comfort and safety, promoting independence, and respecting residents’ privacy.
In addition to the sensory room, the new facility will include fireside lounges, a café and a hair salon, a greenhouse for agri-therapy, an auditorium for concerts and resident events, and outdoor courtyards and pathways.
To learn more about Golden Plough Lodge and the new facility, visit Northumberland County’s website at www.northumberland.ca/gpl.
