Broadmead Care Foundation

The Broadmead Care Foundation is dedicated to providing care and quality of life to all of its 225 residents, 60% of whom are Veterans, each with his or her unique story. The average age at the Broadmead Lodge is 85 years old. Some 65% of residents have moderate to severe levels of dementia; the subsequent dependency levels defined by help with basic activities of daily living are the highest ever recorded.

These challenges invite innovative thinking in terms of maintaining a high quality of life, taking into account such things as the reduced mobility of the residents.

The Lodge at Broadmead is divided into six lodges, each with its own gardens for residents to tend. It is a beautifully well-maintained facility that has undergone a number of recent renovations to accommodate the needs of its residents and the varied recreational activities geared to the special requirements associated with the care of the elderly and residents in dementia care programs.

These recreational programs, funded by a grant from the Victoria Foundation, allow residents to participate in activities aimed at enhancing their quality of life. The grant also assists in re-training staff to prepare them for the changing requirements associated with dementia care. According to Broadmead Care Foundation Executive Director, Evelyn Stewart, this re-education, “Equips the staff to support the residents in a meaningful way and staff are trained to identify changes in the way recreational programs are conducted.” This re-education takes into account practical considerations such as the special apparatus required for a particular activity associated with the elderly and support in dealing with behaviors and high frustration levels inherent in persons with dementia.

As part of its re-education initiative, The Broadmead Care Foundation - also through funds provided by the Victoria Foundation grant - hired a consultant to conduct a study aimed to set priorities in the practical care of the many physical and mental challenges of the Lodge’s residents - such as the configuration of the dining rooms and provision of activities to smaller groups at a time. The implementation of these priorities has allowed the Broadmead Care Foundation to increase the level of comfort of the residents and increase the number of participants in a wider range of recreational activities.

In her recognition that every resident lives a better life thanks to the generosity of donors such as the Victoria Foundation, Ms. Stewart emphasized that the grant from the Victoria Foundation, “Has empowered us to make the changes happen.”