Adam Bramburger
Beaver Staff
A provincial grant through the Royal Canadian Legion will help the John M. Parrott Centre (JPMC) refresh its facilities that allow its residents an opportunity to freshen up.
Nestled between residents’ rooms in the various “village street” hallways at the County-owned long-term care facility are spa rooms where staff can help with bathing practices. Inside the inner sanctum of each spa is a large, deep therapeutic tub matched with an accessible lift.
JPMC director Angela Malcolm says there are six of the tubs, valued at $40,000 each at the home. Over the past three years, five of the six have been replaced with the newest models.
“They are hydrosonic Arjo tubs, which allow a really easy bath for the residents to experience. It provides a nice, deep soak and has the feature of having the shampoo and soak and rinse all embedded in the system,” she said. “No matter which area, it’s the same tub and that makes it more efficient for staff. The residents really enjoy the experience they can have.”
The tubs feature a digital display that shows water temperatures and fill levels, an integrated disinfection system, and have automated bubbling and massaging capacity.
Malcolm said the JPMC is mandated to provide a minimum of two baths (or showers) a week to its residents, though some prefer three. That is incorporated into their individualized plans of care.
She said the Legion’s gift of $5,000 to a purchase was “much appreciated.”
The grant comes from the Ontario Command Branches and Ladies’ Auxiliaries Charitable Foundation, which has been funded through contributions by Legion branches and auxiliaries across the province — including those in Napanee, Tamworth, and Bath — through Poppy Funds and other fundraising. Organizations like hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, fire departments and other not-for-profit agencies involved in health-care can apply every two years for funding from the foundation.
Branch 78 president Kathy Gardner, Poppy chair Peggy Sunstrum, and second vice-president Gord Walsh toured one of the spa areas while presenting on behalf of the foundation.
“This is such a gift for so many people. It was a great choice,” Sunstrum said.
Walsh added: “We have members who can’t wait to get in here and use this.”
The foundation has previously supported the JMPC. In 2015, it provided $7,000 for the purchase of a mobile resident lift.
In the most recent set of grant approvals, the foundation handed out $521,682. Two more grants are slated for Lennox and Addington County. Amherstview’s Helen Henderson Care Centre will receive $4,000 for the purchase of two beds and mattresses. Another $5,000 has also been approved for the Lennox and Addington County General Hospital Foundation, pending approval of its CT Scan project.