Story by Maria Kotsovos
Exciting improvements have been made to Westgate Lodge in Belleville.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Tuesday to celebrate new improvements to the long-term care home and facilities.
The ceremony took place in Harmony Hall, a brand-new gathering space for special events and movie nights. The room includes a large projector, access to the courtyard, and a prayer room.
After breaking ground for the new space in June 2023, Westgate Lodge now has 128 units with an expected total of 160 in the near future.
Along with the opening of Harmony Hall are new kitchen areas, staff and office spaces, and rooms for fitness and physiotherapy.
Each of the home areas, which hold 32 residents per living space, will have four new lounges. This is updated from the two main lounges and one visitor’s lounge in the older building, providing more space for residents and their families to enjoy time together.
With expanded outdoor and indoor spaces for gatherings, including two courtyards, Westgate Lodge can plan larger events for residents and their families.
The Marketplace is another addition where residents who are unable to go into the community can enjoy coffee, tea, snacks, and an ice cream parlour. The courtyards also provide a beautiful outdoor space for residents and visitors to enjoy summer with a view of the water.
To maintain a home-like environment, each resident now has a window in their room, as many of the previous bedrooms did not have a view. This will provide improved lighting and a more scenic atmosphere, as well as familiar artwork that adds a personal touch.
Among the improvements in living areas are additional space, more staff available, and increased privacy for residents through basic and private accommodations, recognizing everyone’s individual needs.
Families can also have some privacy with the resident they are visiting, as there is a balcony on each floor.
Accessibility was also a major consideration when renovating. There is a heated area near the entrance to minimize snow and ice buildup in the winter, and new wardrobes built into bedroom walls so that residents have ample space to feel at home.
Each home area has their own servery, so residents can have food and beverages served directly to them as opposed to eating in one main kitchen or using serveries from other areas in the building.
There will also be five PSWs on each floor, as well as a dietary aid, a housekeeper, and a nurse available to ensure each resident feels cared for.
Officials with Westgate Lodge say all of these improvements are exciting additions to the community.
They will allow for residents to move out of the hospital, and the new living and community spaces will continue to provide a comforting environment to incoming residents.
Photo: Maria Kotsovos/Inquinte.ca
