Ponoka’s Festival of Trees group has set its sights on a new bath and shower area for the long term care ward of the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre.
This year festival organizers want to bring a much-needed improvement that will benefit the long-term care residents, says committee member Sherry Gummow. In working with the Ponoka and District Health Foundation, the organization where the festival funds are managed, it was determined that the aged special bath area had great need.
Linda Nieviadomy, the long-term care manager at the hospital, said the special bath area is just about at the end of its life. There are about nine to 10 baths that are done a day in the space but with the patient needs changing, there are some who have requested the opportunity at having a shower.
“The area’s large. We would really like to split it up into a bathing area and a shower area for those who wish the showers,” said Nieviadomy.
“We’re kind of the highest level of long-term care,” she added.
Some patients who have issues with dementia or MS, having a shower is less daunting or scary. For the long-term unit, it means better quality of care for patients and clients, explained Nieviadomy.
“We wanted to be able to provide some radiant heat,” she added.
With ceiling radiant heat, when patients get out of the bath, a warmer room would keep them comfortable. Nieviadomy is excited to be able to be part of this year’s Ponoka Festival of Trees, which raised $103,000 last year.
Gummow is excited to have the festival working on this project, stating that the organizers feel blessed by the support the community has given the fundraiser. “The economy hasn’t been that great but we have had great community support,” said Gummow.
Whatever the needs, the Ponoka Festival of Trees committee focusses on having a can-do attitude to support the projects.
“We live in the community,” said Gummow. “And we’re all invested in the community in one way or another.”
Completing this new bath space and having it include a special shower and bath would help create a positive environment for patients.
“We really want it to be kind of like a spa,” said Nieviadomy.
She added that for many of the patients, the improvements would enhance their experience at the long term care unit.
Gummow said that with a redone space, which includes an expanded area, patients would also have warmed towels to dry off with.
Initial estimates show the overall cost could be close to $200,000. This amount takes into account the specialized bath, which is estimated at $50,000. This isn’t an ordinary bath, it is made with long-term care patients’ needs in mind.
Opening night gala for the Festival of Trees is set for Nov. 16 with the live auction that night. Seniors Tea and General Admission is on Nov. 17. Breakfast with Santa and General Admission is on Nov. 18.
There will be a silent auction throughout the event. Tickets are available at Busted Ladies Lingerie.