A “ Feels Like Home ” Environment
Hallways devoted to travel , leisure , pets , children and love – that ’ s what you see at St . Francis Commons at St . Luke . This familiar environment evokes conversations , engagement , interactions and memories for residents , families and staff within the walls of the Memory Care neighborhood .
The idea was to create a place for 14 residents with Dementia-related illnesses where they “ feel at home ” and help them to retrieve memories and feelings of years gone by . The room , measuring approximately 20 ’ x25 ’, was set up in what was once a main parlor in the existing Memory Care neighborhood . Most commercial items that were originally in the room were replaced with items that would classify as “ antique ” or from years past . Costs were minimal and many items were donated to fill complete the decor .
Upon walking into the room residents feel comfortable and at ease . They talk about what they see , share experiences and become engaged in daily tasks such as folding laundry , putting dishes away , organizing bookshelves , having a cup of coffee or other refreshment or working on a puzzle .
Residents who are experiencing agitation , anxiety and looking to “ go home ,” are entering the room and finding ease and comfort . Families find the room a place to take their loved ones and engage in regular simple activities that they would do together if they were visiting their parent at their own home . Staff uses the room as a way to re-direct or change focus for residents who are comfortseeking and having increased anxiety at all times of the day .
While reminiscing is not going to reverse the progression of Alzheimer ’ s disease and is not guaranteed to work for everyone . It has been our experience that in some cases , has improved mood and reduced agitation and exit
seeking . – Julie Chetney , Senior Living Director , St . Francis Commons at St . Luke
For more information on how you too can create this environment in your facility , contact Julie Chetney , 315-326-0877 or jchetney @ stfranciscommons . com .
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