The unassuming exterior of Walnut Place conceals a treasure trove. The facility boasts a wonderful reputation built on twenty-five years of service. The administrator has been with the facility since its opening; other staff members have worked there nearly as long. The staff maintains an open-door policy, but are rarely in their offices, due to constant resident interaction. The seasoned gerontologist who manages the Alzheimer’s unit frequently calls residents’ families to keep them abreast of recent developments. The staff dietician knows most of the residents personally and can discuss most cases without referencing their charts.
The activities director coordinates activities geared toward residents’ interests and abilities. Nearly all residents attend Friday Happy Hour to enjoy the snacks and live entertainment. Field trips include a weekly ice cream run. Residents thoroughly enjoyed a recent trip to Six Flags Theme Park. One resident organized a men’s club and another shares his collection of movies with other residents by playing them in a fourth floor common area.
The formal dining area is used for meetings and support groups as well as private dining. It is furnished with a big-screen TV and a piano. The dining area looks out onto the open atrium, where birds can be seen flying in and out. Pet birds in decorative cages and a pond with colorful koi add charm to the area. The halls have handrails and are wide enough to accommodate three wheelchair users abreast. They feature seating at both ends, which often serve as informal meeting areas. Natural light supplements the overhead lighting. The dark carpeting has a slight pattern, which may be problematic for some dementia residents.
Residents’ rooms have large windows with views of the grounds or the atrium. Crown moldings and double closets with mirrored doors make the rooms feel luxurious. When residents require nursing care, they simply move to another floor, where familiar staff members provide care. One resident developed a fear of bathing, as a result of Alzheimer’s. In response, an aide provided dry shampoos and baths. The resident later suffered a severe stroke and it was plain that she would not live much longer. Instead of moving her to the nursing unit, she was provided with hospice care in her room, allowing her to maintain contact with familiar aides and favorite neighbors for the remainder of her life.
