The next era of caring

We’ve embarked on a journey to make life better in our care homes, and for our residents. And it began by asking, what makes a home feel like home?

This simple question has been transformational. Site by site, we’ve gathered ideas and insights from staff, residents and families and put them into practice over a two-week testing period. We’re guided by three themes: residents direct each moment, emotional connections matter most and home is a feeling.

The project is called Megamorphosis. “Part of the beauty of Megamorphosis is trying to honour the uniqueness that each resident brings,” says Sonia Hardern, Performance Improvement Consultant at Providence.

At Mount Saint Joseph Residence, residents can have tea served from the nurses’ station, which was transformed to look like a Chinese tea house. At Youville, music therapy brings out people’s creative sides. Common areas were redecorated to be warm and welcoming. Robotic pets are cheery new companions.

“It goes beyond their care needs, medical conditions, and daily supports to get to the heart of what brings each resident comfort and joy.”

The future is bright for Megamorphosis. A $3-million donation by the Jurazs family has allowed the team to refurbish the Holy Family home. The project will become the blueprint for the Providence Residential and Community Care Services Society’s (PRCC) planned dementia villages at Providence’s St. Vincent’s: Heather site and at The Views at St. Joseph’s site in Comox, BC. In April 2019, Megamorphosis was recognized for its achievements and awarded the prestigious 3M Health Care Quality Team Award by the Canadian College of Health Leaders.

Best of all, for our residents, home doesn’t feel like living in a hospital setting. It just feels like home.