Residents at Centre de Santé Saint-Thomas, a long-term care centre in Edmonton, were delighted to take part in outdoor visits with family members recently.
Fourteen residents from the centre’s secure units, which are home to those living with dementia, were escorted to the courtyard where the visits took place one at a time. During the visits, staff ensured that the residents and family members were spaced appropriately and that the gates to the courtyard were kept closed for security.
“The residents were really happy to see their loved ones. You could see the expression on their faces, and you could tell how happy they were,” says Ravneet Kaur, recreational therapy supervisor, who organized the visits.
Family members were also very happy to see loved ones, some even shedding joyful tears.
Residents in the secure units don’t know how much time has gone by since they’ve seen their families, which makes these courtyard visits extra special, says Glenda Coleman-Miller, site manager for the centre.
The centre will continue to host outdoor visits and is expanding the program to include residents from independent units.