Support For Dementia

Community Support Funds Dementia-Friendly Neighbourhoods, Setting New Standard in Patient Care

Yesterday, North Bay Regional Health Centre Foundation (NBRHCF) welcomed donors and hospital leaders to celebrate a milestone achievement - the completion of the Dementia-Friendly Neighbourhoods project. Made possible by the generous support of donors, this project has transformed the North Bay Regional Health Centre’s (NBRHC) Evergreen, Willow, Cedar, and Oak units into environments that better serve patients with neurocognitive disorders, promoting comfort, safety, and a greater sense of home.

Through thoughtful design changes and sensory features, NBRHC has created welcoming, accessible ‘neighbourhoods’ that aid patients in feeling connected to their surroundings. The project includes customized adhesive graphics for each patient’s door, interactive murals, areas dedicated to familiar places, exit concealing graphics and more.

In Northern Ontario, where the population of older adults is steadily increasing, this project is a timely response to the region’s evolving healthcare needs.

NBRHC President and CEO, Paul Heinrich, expressed his gratitude for the community’s commitment to this vision, noting, “I would like to recognize Dr. Rhea Galbraith’s leadership on this impactful project. Not only has it improved patient safety, provided staff with more robust tools, and enhanced the flow of the units—but it has also set our hospital apart as a leader in dementia care. Initiatives like this will be increasingly important as our district faces a growing need for resources to serve older adults.”  

Our community came together to raise over $170,000, making this vision a reality. This accomplishment will enhance and touch countless lives in the years to come.

Among those celebrating were Bob Wood, former Member of Parliament living with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, and his wife Carol, who have witnessed first-hand the importance of familiar, accessible spaces. Carol shared, “Alzheimer’s has taught us the value of familiarity and consistency. Familiar places and routines are anchors that allow for a little peace in the midst of what is often a turbulent world.”

“Our hospital, with its commitment to creating dementia-friendly spaces, has given us hope for what care might look like in the future. This work means the world to families like ours. We hope that the care and thoughtfulness shown here will continue to uplift those on their journey with Alzheimer’s, offering them a little piece of home, wherever they may be,” she added.

NBRHCF is grateful to each donor, supporter, and advocate who made this transformation possible. Together, the community has made this important investment in exceptional care, close to home, for older adults.