Connecting Realities focuses on meeting residents where they’re at – in their reality – and that includes the physical space they live in. While the neighborhood itself is not an element of the Connecting Realities philosophy, the design of the physical space is. The other two elements of The Ohio Masonic Communities’ three prong philosophy are staff training and resident-centered technology.
As part of the Connecting Realities programming, the Pathways Memory Support Neighborhood at Browning Masonic Community (BMC) recently got a facelift. The neighborhood was built in a circle with windows all the way around a courtyard in the middle so residents can go outside when they want. It also has shared kitchen and living spaces, and each resident lives in their own private studio apartment. Updating things like paint, flooring, and lighting may seem simple, but months of planning went into making those decisions for Connecting Realities before they began to be implemented in BMC’s Pathways Memory Support Neighborhood.
Take lighting as an example. When you replace a light at home you may consider whether to replace a light bulb with one that produces warm light or cool light based on personal preference or what you’re accustomed to. Did you know light can play more of a role for someone that has Alzheimer’s or another dementia? Studies have shown that, for someone with dementia, light can affect their circadian rhythm (the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle). By making sure warm and cool lights are used in the right spaces, Connecting Realities can improve residents’ circadian rhythms which is just one thing that can help them thrive.
Just like with the lighting, flooring and paint were intentionally chosen as part of Connecting Realities. The choices were made based on research that has been done into ways to create more calming, peaceful environments – especially for a resident faced with Alzheimer’s or dementia and their family. Busy patterns on carpet or shiny wood floor may look nice, but they can also cause confusion. That’s why the Connecting Realities options keep it simple, creating an environment where residents can feel safe. Based on a combination of color theory and studies of dementia, it was decided that a blue green (seen on the left) paint color was the best choice for creating an environment that was soothing and relaxing to residents and their families.
BMC began renovating their Pathways Memory Support Neighborhood to incorporate the physical space element of the Connecting Realities philosophy in the fall of 2022. After six months, the neighborhood is virtually unrecognizable. The upgrades to the space are the perfect complement to the Lucynt table, life stations, and dedicated staff that make it a place where people can thrive.
