A haven of peace, serenity
It provides a safe environment, so that staff do not have to worry about the location of residents, who might do harm to themselves while wandering abroad.
“It is for people that we might be concerned about,” said Angela Brangman, administrator Sylvia Richardson Care Facility.
“Hence the security features. We are not calling it an Alzheimer’s Unit, it is for people with cognitive disorders and dementia.
“It is very compact and safe with barriers all around. They can make (walk in) short circles and it always leads them back to their room.
“The nurses station is right in the middle, which will allow them to see all around and to hear, because they will be monitoring the clients pretty closely.”
Some of the rooms in the Harmony Unit are single suites, while others are double units.
“The double rooms are for people who like company,” explained Ms Brangman.
“They also have specially designed chairs, which enable residents to rock, but rise quite easily when they want to get up. All of the units (wardrobes and bureau’s) have soft handles, so that they don’t hurt themselves.”
Rosheena Masters, administrator of Lefroy House, who also served as project manager for the Department of Health on this facility added that the wardrobes were not the largest because having too many clothing items would confuse them.
The bathrooms feature a roll-in facility and residents can be pushed into the shower or in a shower chair, which will help make bathing easier.
“Also the doors slide, as opposed to opening,” added Mrs. Masters.
Ms Brangman pointed out that the room numbers were not only on the doors, but also listed on semi-circles on the floor for those residents who walk looking down.
“It is interesting what they do, but at Lefroy we had a gentleman who couldn’t find his way to the toilet, so we had a piece of yellow tape that took him there,” explained Mrs. Masters.
There is also a foyer, which leads to the Harmony Unit’s garden. This garden is located above an old tank that was discovered in the yard during construction.
“By the door we have a coat and hat rack, which is to remind them to hang up their coats,” Mrs. Masters said.
“We also have dolls for residents who still have maternal instincts, but the dolls of course are not going to cry — so they will not be stressed out by it.”
Asked about pet therapy and the residents, Mrs. Masters said: “In the past they had a resident cat or dog.
“But I think we want to see what the environment is like here before we introduce any animals.”
They also have their own kitchen and dining room in that section, but they also have the option to eat in the main dining room under supervision.
On a final note and to further brighten things up, all of the walls in the Harmony Unit are donned with artwork from several of Bermuda’s finest artists.
For residents who are not in the Harmony Unit, they can visit residents who are, as they will all be fitted with a bracelet that gives them entry.
