There was excitement in the air, as Southampton Care Centre residents saw their new home for the first time.
For larger view, click on image
Photos by Saugeen Times
They had been watching the construction of the new building for more than a year and, on Tuesday, March 24th, it was moving day. Staff greeted each resident at the front door with cheers and a dream catcher for their room, as the smell of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air.
The colour change for the residents was dramatic as they entered the front foyer into bright rainbow hues, interactive wall displays and incredible murals with scenes of Southampton and Bruce County that reflect the interests of the residents.
Only some of the many murals
Each of the three floors is now housing 32 residents with more to come to fill the complement of 160 beds, and is unique in its colours. Each however, is also the same when it comes to having activity centres, kitchen facilities, a dining area, a covered patio with outdoor seating, family room for families to gather and small nooks for sitting.
All the doors are also works of art. Leading to the floors, the stained glass doors indicate the name of the floor … Cardinal Way, Bluejay Way, the Huron Heron, the Robin and the Humming Bird. Doors to the individual rooms are also artistic and make it easy for the residents to navigate.
Every room is bright with a large window and ensuite bathroom. When it comes to bathing or having a shower, there are separate rooms on each floor.
Outside the Centre enfolds an outdoor courtyard that will be accessible for all residents along with a walking path that surrounds the entire building. Plantings in the courtyard will begin in the Spring.
Owned by the Jarlette family of Midland (ON), the Centre bases its care on the Butterfly Approach. “What this means in each community may be different as each will be as unique as their community members … it could mean building daily routines around community members’ needs and interests, such as eating or bathing when it suits them … it could mean engaging them in daily tasks such as cooking and laundry if they wish… it could mean creating a living environment which more strongly resembles a private dwelling by painting rooms and hallways in vibrant colours, changing the doors on rooms to look more like those of a private residence, or even bringing in their personal furniture.”
“The Jarlette long-term care homes and retirement communities that have embarked on their Butterfly journey include Avalon Care Centre (Orangeville, ON), Temiskaming Lodge (Haileybury, ON), Alexander Place (Waterdown, ON) and Royal Rose Place (Welland, ON) and now … Southampton Care Centre (Southampton, Saugeen Shores ON).”
The former Centre will eventually be demolished to allow for the construction of 85 senior apartments but, in the meantime, will be used by Saugeen Shores Police and Fire Services for training purposes.
An official opening of the new Southampton Care Centre will be held in the near future once residents become acclimated to their new home.
