Settling in
Residents at Tyne Valley facility enjoying spacious, new manor
The sheer space of the new Stewart Memorial Home is affording resident Betty Matthews ample opportunity for daily exercise.
“You have to keep moving,” she declared.
Seated in her wheelchair, she uses her feet to move herself forward through the corridors of the Hummingbird Lane and Valley Lane households of the 24-bed manor, through the large dining room that doubles as entertainment space and out into the main reception area known as Main Street.
“All the places you can go in and back out; go around again,’ Matthews remarked on her exercise routine.
“I like the beautiful atmosphere of this place, all the colours and the beautiful decorations and fireplaces.”
Gayle Lamont, Long-term Care administrator for East Prince, said residents and staff have
adapted well since moving in earlier this month.
“We were doing a lot of things to get excited and get ready for this new home,” she said, noting residents’ involvement in picking names for “Main Street shops” and various design features.
A happening spot is the ‘Do Drop In’, just inside the main entrance, down at the end of Main Street. It is where various clergy take turns holding Thursday church services and where families can schedule special events, like birthday parties, for residents. “That’s a huge change from our old home,” said Lamont. “There physically wasn’t space for other people to come and join their loved one (for activities).” Along Main Street and throughout the new home there are several small gathering areas for family members to visit with residents.
Of course, visits also occur in the residents’ rooms, which are considerably larger than what was available in the old Stewart Memorial.
“The old place wasn’t meant to be a home; it was built as a hospital,” noted Alexis Ross-Steeves during a visit with her mother, Velma Ross.
“It did the job it had to do for the time. It was a stop-gap, but this is definitely – it’s amazing, it’s so beautiful and fresh and new – inviting.”
“And we didn’t have to raise money to build it,” added her mother who, as a Women’s Institute member, had raised funds for the construction of Stewart Memorial Hospital.
Ross admitted she was looking forward to the move, having visited other manors and seeing what features they had that the old Stewart Memorial couldn’t provide.
Besides having more space in their individual rooms, with room for 43-inch televisions whereas the old home could only accommodate 24-inch units, residents also have private washrooms. Lamont noted large windows that give residents and visitors a view into the Main Street shops.
It’s all part of the effort to keep the home looking inviting and lively.
“’It’s beautiful.’ That’s all you’re hearing from people when they come in to visit.”
The manor’s spa area is also getting a clear nod of approval from residents. There are lifts for the shower, a TV for viewing, a fireplace for added ambience, and heat lights as well a shower area where residents can be wheeled in or use a shower chair. “There’s so much more space,” said nurse manager Chantel Noye who described the welcoming reception on moving day, with staff and family members lining the homes Main Street and clapping as the beaming residents entered. The home also has a courtyard with a covered deck and green space all of which will get more use once winter passes. Local clergy are contributing towards the cost of a gazebo for the space. Lamont said many local groups like to entertain at the home, and now they have more space in which to do so.
“It’s just like a real, old kitchen party now.”