Baycrest

18 BrainMatters SPRING/SUMMER 2018 LIFE-CHANGING innovations made possible by donor support F or 100 years, Baycrest has been on a mission to not only alter the perceptions and stereotypes about aging, but to bring about a sea of change in how our society treats and cares for older adults. Through a strikingly successful partnership between a visionary, compassionate and benevolent community, and a skilled and caring staff team, Baycrest is advancing life- changing innovations in how we care for the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of older adults. From renovations to new client programs, a number of recent initiatives made possible thanks to donor support will be showcased during celebrations for Baycrest's 100 th anniversary this year. The Charlotte and Lewis Steinberg Family Rehabilitation Wing on the seventh floor of Baycrest Hospital is one notable example of donor impact on client care. Through the generous support of the Steinberg family, the entire floor is being renovated to enhance both the physical environment and the delivery of care to adults aged 55 and over after an acute illness, injury or surgery. The east side of the wing, which is now complete, combines best practices in environmental design and comprehensive, leading-edge rehabilitation services. It is esthetically pleasing and ergonomically efficient for both patients and staff. The west side of the wing is expected to be completed this fall. "Our patients work hard to regain their mobility and function and return to community living," says Clinical Manager Leslie Iancovitz. "The Steinberg family has transformed the Rehabilitation Wing at Baycrest. Thanks to their help, our interprofessional team members can now deliver care and services in beautifully appointed, accessible surroundings that are motivating to patients and staff alike." Changing the physical environment to facilitate the care and well-being of older adults is also the goal of an upcoming redesign and renovation of the Edwin Goldstein Neighbourhood on the second floor of the Apotex Centre, Jewish Home for the Aged. Using design ideas based on research and input from staff, residents and families, this will be the second neighbourhood to be revitalized since the 472-bed long-term care home opened in 2000. In addition to updating furnishings and décor, the area that is home to 28 residents will have walls removed and spaces opened up to create a new dining room, breakfast bar, family room and activities area. Evidence-based design ideas will be used to enhance social engagement, and the vision, hearing and mobility concerns of older adults will be considered in the choices of lighting, flooring, colours and furniture. "These kinds of changes have been shown to improve quality of life for people with complex needs like those who call Baycrest home," says Derrick Bernardo, Executive Director of Care and Resident Experience at Baycrest. The renovation is being made possible through donations surpassing $800,000 from family and friends in honour of Edwin Goldstein's 50 years of leadership, philanthropy and volunteerism at Baycrest. "Team members can now deliver care and services in beautifully appointed, accessible surroundings that are motivating to patients and staff alike." Charlotte and Lewis Steinberg Edwin Goldstein

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