Johnson Memorial Hospital Opens New Geriatric Wellness Unit

A new 15-bed geriatric wellness unit has opened at Johnson Memorial Hospital, located in Stafford Springs, Connecticut.

Designed by E4H Environments for Health Architecture, the Lillian “Dolly” Santilli Geriatric Wellness Pavilion features private and semi-private rooms with private showers. Offering a “homelike” environment, the unit features pod-style housing and community areas with large windows throughout that allow for plenty of natural light and scenic views of the rural hospital’s hilltop setting.

Finishes and materials were selected to reflect the region’s New England character. Traditional colors and large landscape graphics throughout the unit reinforce the sense of place. A curvilinear floor pattern wraps around the unit core to create a garden pathway for wandering patients. Locating the patient dining and social spaces off of a central nursing station allows for easier observation and communication by staff, while promoting choice of activity of the patients.

The opening of the new geriatric wellness unit is part of JMH’s efforts to meet the needs of the local community, with an aging population that is expected to increase by 16% over the next five years. This unit will provide care to appropriate patients from throughout the Trinity Health of New England region, including Connecticut and western Massachusetts.

“With a significant increase in the number of older adults anticipated in our service area in the coming years, the need for this new unit is undeniable,” said Dr. Edna N. Rodríguez, LP-PsyD, director of behavioral health, Johnson Memorial Hospital. “If left untreated, behavioral health disorders in older adults can lead to diminished functioning, substance use disorder, poor quality of life and increased mortality, as well as slower healing from physical ailments. The new unit will not only serve this vulnerable patient population, it will also provide respite for their loved ones who want the best possible care for their seniors.”

Learn more at e4harchitecture.com/johnson-memorial-hospital-geriatric-wellness-pavilion/.