Project Update: January 2024

Interior takes shape


With most of the roof complete and the majority of windows installed, the construction team is turning their attention to work on the inside of the facility.


Heating and air conditioning ductwork is being hoisted up and hung from ceiling brackets and electrical cabling is being wired throughout the building. Wall framing continues to be constructed and anchored in place to allow crews to start the hanging and installation of drywall. With drywall underway, the interior hallways and resident rooms are starting to take shape and define the interior spaces.


Late last month a number of major milestones where accomplished:

·        installation of roof top units holding the heating and air conditioning units;

·        boilers, pump, and the emergency generator have been placed in the mechanical penthouse above the 3rd floor and are currently being connected to building systems; and 

·        the curbs and first layer of asphalt have been completed for the north staff parking.



In the coming weeks, drywalling will continue on all floors and the major electrical and plumping components such as pumps and electrical panels will be installed and connected.

Expanding our team for enhanced resident care

Message from Glenn Dees

Director Health and Human Services

 

Efforts are underway to expand our team to meet the future needs of our expanded 180-bed facility and to support our tradition of resident-centric care.


Recognizing the integral role staff play in delivering exceptional care, several new positions have been created in the areas of life enrichment programing, dietary and food service, environmental services, logistics, and of course nursing staff as part of the County budgetary approval process.

 

Some of these positions will be onboarded prior to completion of the new home to support the preparations needed with the planning for our relocation and activation of the new facility

 

Expanding the team will also meet the many priorities identified in provincial reports highlighting the effort for enhanced program delivery across the five domains of health—social, physical, spiritual, intellectual, and emotional well-being and to optimize resident-focused care.

 

To address the increased demands associated with the larger facility, we will also need to expand our housekeeping, maintenance, and laundry services staffing. Additionally, we are bolstering our supply chain management efforts with a dedicated full-time logistics coordinator to ensure sufficient inventory of medical supplies is maintained to meet the evolving needs of our residents.

 

The transition to the new facility will also need to accommodate the complex care requirements of an expanded resident population—from 151 to 180. To meet the Ministry of Long-term Care mandate, we will be actively recruiting more Registered Nurses, Registered Practical Nurses, and Personal Support Workers to complement our existing dedicated team in time for our move.

Elevating resident well-being


A groundbreaking addition to our new facility promises to enhance the well-being of our residents – with the introduction of a cutting-edge Sensory/Media Room. Traditionally associated with children, media sensory rooms are increasingly recognized as invaluable tools for seniors and adults with disabilities.



In our present home, this type of programming has proven to be an important behaviour intervention to ease agitation and promote calm and rest. The new room will be a space where residents can more fully engage with their senses. In this dedicated space, equipped with the latest therapy technology, residents will engage their senses through a variety of stimuli, including fiber optic lighting, aroma diffusers, color-changing projectors, and virtual reality projections. These sensory experiences are tailored to cater to individual needs, making it a versatile and personalized retreat for our residents.

 

The sensory room will serve as a haven for our residents, offering not only a therapeutic escape but also a means of reconnecting with their past. With scenes projected on all four walls, residents can revisit their hometowns or find solace in serene environments like the ocean or forest. This immersive experience is designed to bring comfort and joy, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.

 

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.

Looking to provide feedback, get more information or ask a question?

Email us at GPLcommunications@northumberlandcounty.ca