Lilac Knoll Newsletter for April 14, 2022

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

Welcome,   We have been limited in how we can connect with families from Lilac Knoll during this outbreak and in hindsight I should have come up with the idea of this home specific newsletter sooner as I recognize that the move announcement in last weeks newsletter would have come as a surprise. Please accept my apology and hopefully this information today will help to ease your concerns and give you some insight in what we feel will be a great benefit to the residents.   We have received some questions from a few families this week regarding the planned move of those living in Lilac Knoll to the second floor. We have come to learn that many of you have never been upstairs on the second floor so have no visual idea of what the space looks like. This newsletter has been sent out only for those families connected to Lilac Knoll.    As many of you are aware, prior to this latest outbreak we were opening the doors of Lilac Knoll for 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon. This proved to be an incredibly positive experience for residents and staff. We saw a reduction in residents responsive behaviours and falls which was great along with some residents having a better sleep! With this move to the 2nd floor, Orchard Trail, this enhanced freedom of movement will continue. On Orchard Trail home area there is a quiet small patio with a pergola to enjoy some time outside. We have a number of hanging baskets and patio plants in this area as well as a couple of seating areas. In addition, the second floor balcony along the front of the building will be a fantastic oasis for residents to enjoy the outdoors. This space has more shade protection that the area in Lilac Knoll could offer and plenty of seating. We are installing a raised veggie and flower garden in this space as we know this is an activity that residents find very engaging.   I hope you will take time to scroll through this newsletter to take a look at the various pictures of the spaces upstairs.   Sincerely,   Angela Malcolm Director

Around the Home

Here is what Orchard Trail looks like

Through our GIS Computer program we do have features that you can access specific details of various rooms throughout the Home. Feel free to click on the link below. Resident Room Layout: We often get asked the dimensions of a resident room, their closet, size of space available for a TV, lounge chair etc. We are happy to offer you the link below that outlines the various room layouts and measurements of the physical room, and all items within the room. It also features measurements of the washroom and foyer to the room. Hope you find this helpful. Click on link below JMPC Room Layouts Common Indoor Areas to enjoy at JMPC on the 2nd Floor  These common areas outside of Orchard Trail offer a circle in which to walk around and explore. Residents can walk through the Library – Sunroom area – pass in front of the double elevators – pass in front of the hair salon – and then back to Orchard Trail or begin again. Circle paths are very beneficial to residents who roam as it helps them to feel less restricted in their movement and is easier for them to navigate without getting stuck in a dead end pathway.  In addition, there is less confusion and distractions on the second floor. Due to the constant flow of individuals needing to be screened at the front entrance along with it being an entrance/exit for everyone, this first floor area can at times be overstimulating. This overstimulation can have negative impacts or be very exhausting for residents. The flooring upstairs in the common spaces is carpeted which also reduces some of the noise level.

Access to the Upper Front Balcony is just off of the Orchard Trail Home area as can be seen in this picture at the Orchard Trail Entrance (beside the single elevator) – walk through the library and open the double doors straight ahead.

This is the Upper Front Balcony featuring many seating areas. The image below with the umbrella tables has no rooftop overhead and will be the location of the flower and vegie gardens.   This space that is largely covered will also allow for more access to the outdoors as it is less dependent on the weather. There is also a significant increase in space for resident programming to occur.

Each upper level resident Home Area also features its own small balcony for residents to enjoy right on the Home area.

Things to Do across Lennox & Addington County

Below are some interesting opportunities if you are looking for something to do in the area. Click HERE and it will take you directly to the items below: