Home Connections will help ensure that long-term care residents receive more opportunities for creative expression through art and music, and new and different experiences through technology, outings, and recreational therapy. Environment changes will provide more comfortable living spaces that enhance the experience of residents and provide flexibility for their complex and different needs. Most importantly, it will ensure that they receive specialized care through new and innovative roles that would not otherwise be possible.

Home is where the heart is, where we feel connected, nourished and protected mind, body and soul. Yet, for many seniors, this feeling is lost when they move into long-term care. Residing in care homes may trigger loneliness and isolation as seniors move away from what they loved, cherished and nurtured their whole lives.

831 people live in 7 VCH long-term care homes in Vancouver

Long-Term Care Map

 

Care with Compassion

Increased isolation has taken a severe toll on residents in need of complex care, especially for residents with dementia, and those with limited family support. Unfortunately, while the rest of the world has resumed after COVID-19, the impacts on residents remain, and many continue to struggle with the aftermath, emphasizing the pressing need for immediate efforts to alleviate the ongoing challenges faced by our vulnerable seniors.

The time is now to fill that void in the life of Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) long-term care residents and help them live in a place they can truly call home. That is why we are launching Home Connections, a campaign to transform their living experience, generate more opportunities for residents to communicate and connect on a social level, and create purpose-built spaces to make residents feel more at home.

Expanding Connection Through Philanthropy

Nearly 50% of the current residents in our long-term care homes have dementia. With this making up such a significant portion of those in care, social interaction is of utmost importance to significantly improve overall well-being. Positive connection, such as engaging in conversations and activities with others, can help stimulate cognitive function.

All residents in long-term care, especially those individuals with dementia, benefit significantly when they are involved in consistent social interactions or activities. It helps to maintain their communication skills for a longer period, enabling them to express their needs and feelings more effectively. Participating in social activities helps individuals feel a sense of belonging and purpose, which can be especially valuable for those who may have lost a sense of self due to their condition.

Enhanced Spaces

Communal spaces in long-term care play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for residents and fostering a sense of community. The importance of these spaces lies in their ability to address not only the physical but also the social, emotional, and mental well-being of individuals receiving long-term care.

Creating an environment in long-term care facilities that evokes a sense of home rather than a clinical setting is paramount to the well-being and comfort of residents. By incorporating familiar elements such as personalized decor, comfortable furnishings and communal areas designed for social interaction, we can cultivate a warm and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of home. Additionally, integrating features such as private bedrooms, more intimate dining rooms, cozy sitting areas and outdoor spaces with greenery can further enhance the home- like ambiance, fostering a sense of belonging and tranquility for residents.

Meaningful Engagement

Creative and recreational therapies hold significant importance in promoting the overall well-being of older adults. These therapies contribute to physical, emotional, cognitive and social aspects of seniors’ lives, enhancing their quality of life in various ways. They go beyond traditional medical approaches, acknowledging the importance of addressing emotional and social needs.

Your support will provide valuable funding for the recreational therapy teams to create meaningful and impactful activities for residents, enhancing their lives in long-term care. This may include recreational and social therapies, as well as virtual reality interventions, to provide residents with opportunities to connect, share experiences and build a sense of community. Simultaneously, creative therapies, including art, music and horticultural activities, serve as powerful outlets for self-expression and engagement.

Enhanced Care Team

The care teams at our long-term care homes play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being, safety and quality of life for residents. The collaborative efforts of diverse professionals contribute to a comprehensive and person-centered approach to care that meets the diverse needs of residents.

Your support would provide opportunities for enhancing these teams in various ways – from new resident support roles to increase focus on the residents’ individual needs or providing the current teams with training in specialized care. This is how you can contribute to a more holistic, compassionate and supportive environment within long-term care settings, helping to promote a sense of belonging and emotional wellness among residents.

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“Taking a trip down memory lane and revisiting a place or an experience that was meaningful to someone is extremely therapeutic and beneficial to their emotional well-being.” -Isabella Laliberte recreation therapist, dogwood care home

“This garden is my lifeline.” –Banfield Pavilion Resident

“I get to sing my favourite songs and it is a good feeling. I enjoy doing this every week. And the singing has helped with my talking that is very difficult after my accident.” -Vu, Long-Term Care Resident

Support for Home Connections will provide essential funds for the revitalization of various areas within our long-term care facilities. These funds will support enhancements, such as vibrant murals and artwork, aimed at enhancing the overall comfort and ambiance for residents. Further initiatives include the creation of sensory rooms and tranquil spaces, fostering an environment that prioritizes the well-being of those in our care.  These initiatives are vital for transforming long-term care spaces into nurturing environments where residents feel valued, respected and truly at home. Your contributions will ensure a more fulfilling and meaningful quality of life, fostering an environment where individuals can age with dignity and joy.

Care for the Future

With your support, we can ensure that those in long-term care receive the best compassionate, engaging and specialized care that they deserve. Philanthropy is key to providing the best care for the increasing diversity and complexity of residents.

We all deserve to age with dignity and compassion, and Home Connections will ensure that current and future generations of seniors have that opportunity. Join us!

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