New nursing home raising money for iPod therapy program

The  recently-opened Loch Lomond Villa in Saint John is undertaking a fundraising campaign to make the long-term care facility feel more like home for its senior residents.

Foundation co-ordinator Kristen Wheaton said the group is in the middle of a fundraising campaign for programs that improve residents' quality of life.

"Whether it's equipment, or the outdoor landscaping, or our programs, it’s very hard for them to move from a home into one bedroom. So this adds different seating areas, living rooms, makes it very social and a much more pleasant place to live," she said.

Wheaton said their latest fundraiser will help them invest more in their iPod music therapy program to help seniors with dementia. Money raised from previous fundraising campaigns went towards a new movie theatre and glassed-in courtyard.

The villa's foundation is selling tickets for a NASCAR draw until Jan. 10.

Expanding villa

The Loch Lomond Villa opened up 100 new replacement beds last week to address the growing need for long-term care in the city.

The $75-million project — announced by the former Liberal government — had been put on hold, pending a cost-cutting review by the Alward government.

The new 100-bed facility is divided into four units, each with 25 residents.

The first 25 moved in on Tuesday, followed by another 25 on Thursday. The remaining 50 are expected to be settled in by next week.

The majority of the rooms are private rooms with an ensuite bathroom, government officials have said.

All four units have a living room, dining room, activity room and a family quiet room.

Phase 2 of the project will involve extensive renovations to the existing building, which has some wings that are more than 40 years old, hallways so narrow that residents' wheelchairs scratch the walls and roof leaks that scar the ceilings.

The renovated building, expected to be complete by 2016, will house 90 residents.