Over the past few decades, the manner in which care has been provided in the nursing home/retirement home setting has changed markedly As people are living longer and with advances in modern medicine combined with travelling on the ‘information highway’, connecting with family and friends far and near is easier. Social connection, whether in person or via the internet, boosts emotional health and wellness and concurrently boosts physical wellness. This age of technology is also pivotal to enhancing quality of education and quality of life for both the very young and the very old.
I was thrilled to read about the cuddle therapy dolls that were delivered to the Nashwaak Villa in Stanley, NB after they had enjoyed a two week trial period with Avery and Aubrey in February of 2016.
Philip Giberson, my childhood neighbour from the time I was born in Bath, Carleton County, until I left home in the early 70s, resided in this beautifully appointed elder care facility from 1 December 2013, until his passing on Wednesday, 31 May 2017. He’s pictured with Aubrey and Avery during one of their early visits; his smiling face speaks volumes about the value of ‘cuddle therapy’ for seniors.
Since Aubrey and Avery were such a huge hit with so many of the guests at Nashwaak Villa, the decision was made to adopt Gracie and Jack in July of 2016, who were later joined by Noah and Emmy in March of 2017. If they acquired ‘cousins’ all over the province, what a party that would be!
Resident-centered care acknowledges the need for guests to be treated as people first, with respect and dignity. In many ways, the patient-centered model diminishes personhood. Our elders are much happier when they actively particpate, as best as they are able, in decisions about how they will spend their days, from the time they wake up in the morning until they retire for the night. Their right to choose is critical.
The guests at Nashwaak Villa are treated to the daily antics of feline pals who have their own room. Cuddling with Noah, Emmy, Gracie or Jack along with interaction with the cats in residence, PJ and Callie, have a significant relaxing effect on seniors, especially those lost in dementia. Holding a small breathing creature seems to wake up something deep within those lost memories. Cats, just like dogs, seem to know when they’re needed and in a place where there are lots of people to visit, they dutifully make their appointed rounds, satisfied with a hug and maybe a piece of kibble. At the NashwaakVilla, the cats have sometimes been present as a guest passes away. They truly are knowing.
Pet therapy and cuddle therapy with infant-like dolls have made a huge impact on the lives of the folks at the Villa. Cost-free therapy with the side effect of smiles, laughs, happiness and calmness. A significant long term benefit is the reduction in the dispensing of anti-psychotic drugs.
Another plus for is the kids summer camp, which brings together young and old for an array of daily activities which are lots of fun and engage both generations in meaningful and memorable exchanges. Five different camps, representing different age groups, are organised from July 10th through August 25th, providing a range of age-appropriate activities in which Villa residents participate. What a wonderful way for a mixed age group to spend quality time together.
The Nashwaak Villa in Stanley and the Carleton Manor in Woodstock are but two ‘homes away from home’ that have adopted the Planetree model of resident-centered care. The proof is in the pudding when one enters either of these fine care facilities. The atmosphere is welcoming and alive with activity, with the guests, as they are able and inclined, engaged and engaging.
In 2015, Carleton Manor was awarded Planetree Bronze Recognition for Meaningful
Progress in Resident-Centered Care. Carleton Manor was the first health care organization in New Brunswick to be awarded Bronze-level recognition since Planetree first introduced the recognition level in 2012.
Planetree is named for the tree under which Hippocrates – the father of Western medicine – taught students. It was founded in 1978 by Angelica Thieriot, who used her experience battling a viral infection to develop a system where hospital patients would be treated as people rather than diagnoses and were informed participants in the care process.
Planetree’s philosophy asserts that: we are human beings caring for other human beings; we are all caregivers; care giving is best achieved through kindness and compassion; and the opportunity to make personal choices related to your care is essential in a holistic approach to meeting people’s needs of body, mind and spirit.
Even a crotchety old gal such as I, armed with a black out blind and a sleep mask would fare well in such a welcoming, homey environment.
Carla MacInnis Rockwell is a freelance writer and disability rights advocate living outside Fredericton, NB with her aging Australian silky terrier and a rambunctious Maltese. She can be reached via email at carmacrockwell@xplornet.ca
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