A little goes a long way

Sometimes, it’s the little changes that make the biggest difference. 

And thanks to a recent grant through St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation made possible through the generosity of donors, that’s what’s happened in the 2 Perth unit in the Veterans Care program. 

After several months of refurbishments, the Veterans who call this secure dementia care unit home are now getting to experience the new upgrades tailored to meet their unique needs. From the simple comfort of choosing their own meal to the joy of making music in the courtyard, residents already feel more connected, comfortable and truly at home.

A warm meal in a room that feels like home

The heart of a home is often the dining room, and for 2 Perth, this space has now been beautifully transformed. 

The newly-renovated dining room welcomes residents with warm, home-like touches, including freshly painted walls, new cupboards and countertops and bright new flooring. The changes, while subtle, encourage routine, comfort and familiarity – helping people with dementia feel grounded.

Beyond the aesthetics, mealtime itself has been completely reimagined to encourage residents to feel more engaged. Instead of traditional tray service, meals are now served directly from the dining room servery, allowing residents to enjoy the aromas and sights of freshly prepared food. A dedicated dietary aide ensures meals are served safely and smoothly, with residents offered two delicious choices at each sitting. Show plates help residents visualize their options, supporting independence and choice, while meals are served course by course, encouraging conversation and a sense of shared experience – much like dining at home.

Veteran Joseph "Lou" Warren has been at Parkwood since the middle of 2025. A resident of 2 Perth, Warren enjoys his usual spot in the dining room and is excited for mealtimes. He enjoys the variety of the menu, especially a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup on a chilly November day.

"The homey-like atmosphere of the new dining room has enhanced our residents' quality of life," says Sherry Thyssen, a Registered Practical Nurse in 2 Perth. "Giving the residents options for their meals and the autonomy of choice has been a great addition."

To guide this change, staff received education rooted in CHOICE+, a best practice approach developed by Heather Keller, RD, PhD of the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging. CHOICE+ stands for Connecting, Honouring Dignity, Offering Support, Identity, Creating Opportunities and Enjoyment. By following these values, the staff at 2 Perth are able to make the most of mealtimes with residents.

The results have been immediate and heartening. Residents are eating more, staying longer at the table, asking for seconds (and sometimes thirds) of their favourite dishes and finding renewed pleasure in the social and sensory experience of dining together. 

Bringing life to the outdoors

Just outside the hospital building, the 2 Perth courtyard is undergoing a transformation of its own. The updates balance essential safety improvements with exciting enhancements that make the space more welcoming and inclusive. Repairs to the concrete and the removal of aging structures such as deteriorated brick pillars and broken water features ensure the area is secure and accessible – especially for residents using walkers or wheelchairs.

A new water feature will bring a calming soundtrack to the garden, while the addition of a sun sail provides welcome shade over the popular sound garden area. And soon, even more outdoor musical instruments will join the space, inviting residents to explore rhythm, sound and sensory stimulation in a way that’s playful and inclusive.

"We'll have barbecues out here when the weather is nice," says Jennifer Field, Administrative Assistant in Veterans Care. "And the new instruments in the sound garden will be a great addition for the Veterans."

In this special space, there are no rules – just opportunities for self-expression and sensory exploration in the fresh air. The staff at 2 Perth hope that the refurbished courtyard will make impactful strides in encouraging engagement, activity and collaboration for the unit’s residents.

A space that feels like home

With its main hallway designed to resemble a welcoming street, 2 Perth has always sought to make residents feel at home – safe, secure and comfortable. 

Now, with these refurbishments to the dining room and courtyard, that vision is stronger than ever. 

Each enhancement, whether it’s the smell of a freshly served meal, the sound of music in the garden or the warmth of sunlight filtering through the new shade sail, helps create moments of joy, familiarity and dignity for our Veterans. These changes are especially vital for people living with the challenges of dementia.

After all, sometimes it’s the little changes that make the biggest difference.