Images of Wellington County offer comfort and memories at Wellington Terrace

by Kelly Waterhouse

ABOYNE

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a new mural at the Wellington Terrace Long Term Care Home  has much to tell both visitors and residents alike.

“It’s about incorporating that creative process into their everyday,” said assistant administrator Laura Holtom.

Located inside the doors of the Maple Ridge neighbourhood, a section of the Terrace that houses residents with dementia, the mural spans five walls, including the main entrance and exit to the neighbourhood.

“The door of the neighbourhood is secured for residents with a cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer’s disease to keep them safe if they ventured into an unfamiliar area,” explains Mary Lou Bolen, team leader of the Maple Ridge ward. “The neighbourhood is self contained to allow for familiarity and ensures appropriate amount of stimulation.     The mural serves as a diversion from the exit as well as a great conversation piece and reminiscing.”

Joanne Badder, a behavioural support worker with the Maple Ridge team confirms the mural has helped the residents feel less anxious.

“They stop and look around. It has reduced their temptation to leave. They stop and touch the painting frequently,” Badder said.

Painted by Waterloo artist Maritza Alba, the mural depicts aspects of life in Wellington County.

For subject matter, Alba toured the community and took photographs of landmarks and scenes throughout Centre Wellington and neighbouring areas. She included images such as a  stone house surrounded with a stone wall in Fergus, the corner of a hotel building in Elora, homes and country images including a large red barn, plus gardens and water scenes.

“I took photos of many details, something that represents [the resident’s] past and their future so they can remember their past in a positive way,” said Alba. “This is always my goal.”

Returning with a sketch and multi-media presentation, Alba opened her ideas up for consultation with staff.

“Maritza designed the mural with a lot of consultation with the Maple Ridge team,” explained Holtom, noting the team consisted of the nurses, environmental staff, the dietary team and life enrichment staff.

“My vision was to start with their vision,” Alba explained. “At the first meeting the team told me what they wanted and I put it all together.”

“Maritza brought a lot of ideas,” said Bolen. “The team had input, to pick out what images they liked. Everyone got to check off their preferences. Everybody’s opinion counted. We gave the specifics, but Maritza had the overall design.”

The mural, painted with odour-free latex paint, took 19 days, with 12-hour shifts or more each day. To help, Alba had assistance from two art students Roby Neuman and Alba Sanchez.

“Maritza welcomed people into the project. She was very inclusive,” said Holtom. “Julie Couson, a RPN on the team painted a part of it.”

Louise Goldsmith, a  100 year-old Terrace resident who teaches art to her fellow residents, took part, along with Mimi Griesbach.

“From day one to the finish, all the residents came and watched, to ensure we were completing it,” said Alba, smiling.

The mural includes familiar images of Canadian geese, flowers, trees, animals, a bicycle standing near a fence, young children sitting on a swing and a bench, and buildings scattered throughout.

“The two children sitting on a swing make many residents think of their grandchildren,” said Badder.

“The design is both country and gardening,” described Alba, who points to things like the bicycle as a fond memory of childhood for many.

Her design, like her choice of colour was done with the intent to create a serene andsafe landscape.

“The colour is very important,” she said. “For instance, there are no bright colours where you don’t want to have the attention or focus, like the doors for the exit.”

Bolen said the mural represents something for everyone, “Whether you are a gardener or farmer or just a lover of nature.”

“Every time you look at it, you see something different,” said Badder.

“We get a lot of comments on how nice it is from both the residents and their families,” said Bolen. “Guests will sit with their parents and talk about it. It’s nice for reminiscing.”

“It adds to their memorable experience together,” Holtom adds.

“It’s become a real conversation piece with residents and staff,” said Bolen. “We’re very happy with it. And the management has been so supportive.”

Holtom credits the community for its support as well.

“The mural was made possible through donation dollars raised over time, so we could pay Maritza. We’re really grateful to the community for their support.”

September 21, 2012