Canada/A New Lodge to Stimulate the Senses of Residents at the Maria Long-Term Care Facility

The Maria Long-Term Care Facility is launching a new sensory cabin on its grounds. This space is designed to help residents relive memories of their hunting and fishing trips.

The residents have been enjoying the space for some time now. And already, the cabin is bringing back memories for many of them, transporting them back to happier times. Mathieu Jacques, a recreational activities specialist at the residence, tells us about the benefits of this new space.

“That resident over there in the dining room is usually very drowsy, but the moment we mention the cabin, he’s ready—he grabs his cap, asks for his cap, and we head off to the cabin. He even knows the way.”

The effect on the residents is impressive, according to the specialist. “[The resident] welcomes them into his cabin and starts talking; the memories come flooding back, and it’s as if he knows his surroundings.”

The goal of the project was to transform an abandoned balcony into a comforting and stimulating space. “We wanted it to be a soothing, warm place that engaged all the senses—whether through smell, touch, or sight. It’s truly an environment where we wanted residents to feel at ease and not feel like they were in a long-term care facility,” explains Louise Poirier, quality of life advisor at the residence.

Maria’s team left nothing to chance in their choice of decorations. The scent of fir trees evokes the forest, and the heated blankets bring to mind cozy evenings by the fireplace. For visitors, too, the space serves as a gathering place. “It’s become a family-friendly place; families gather here whether it’s to have a glass of wine, enjoy a beer, play a game, or share a meal,” says the long-term care facility’s advisor.

For residents of the region, the cabin isn’t just a theme—it’s a part of their history. “In the Gaspé Peninsula, the outdoors is part of life; it’s part of everyday life. Many residents used to own woodlots and cottages. During hunting season—which is in October—the villages empty out. Everyone heads into the forest, and the residents used to do that too,” recalls Mathieu Jacques.

The Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation granted $36,000 for the balcony’s construction. For the recreation specialist, such initiatives must continue to receive funding. “I ask myself, ‘On the day I arrive here at the residential center, what kind of activity would I really like to do?’” shares Mathieu.

The project received an award of excellence last April during Gaspésie Residents’ Committees Day.

Source: cimtchau.ca/