SELECT FONT SIZE + -

THE MISSION OF THE GARTH HOMER SOCIETY IS TO CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDEPENDENCE, GROWTH AND PARTICIPATION IN THE COMMUNITY WITH PEOPLE WHO STRIVE TO OVERCOME DEVELOPMENTAL AND PHYSICAL OBSTACLES.

« Back

Pathways Rooms

Creating the right physical environment is an important part of the Pathways Program. Since clients with dementia have different needs from those who do not have dementia we have created two separate rooms.

The PEARLS room is designed to accommodate clients with dementia. The environment is calm and soothing since too much noise, too much clutter and too many choices can impact the quality of life for a client in declining physical and mental health. The PEARLS room is furnished with plain surfaces and the clutter is hidden behind cupboard doors. The atmosphere is quieter with gentle music playing and the activities are conducted without a lot of excited noise.

The PALS room is a bit noisier than the PEARLS room but comfort is still a priority. Comfortable chairs are especially in demand. Jo Ann Slater, Program Coordinator, says since so many of the clients in the program have mobility issues it's important to have chairs they don't have to bend to sit in. "Just like the general population the hips and knees tend to go first and it takes a while to get up and down" . A generous benefactor recently donated one power-assist chair and it's in very high demand. The Garth Homer Society is currently fundraising to purchase five more similar chairs.

The kitchen is also a very important part of the PALS room as clients gather to cook lunch, can fruit or bake most days. It's also where clients take a seat and enjoy a cup of coffee and a good chat.

The PALS room is always a hive of activity so they also us a small annex for doing crafts or playing Wii games such a bowling or tennis.