Tranquility Room Proposal
A therapeutic environment designed specifically for our dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and cognitively impaired residents to reduce stress, anxiety, and agitation while promoting resident well-being at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital's Skilled Nursing Facilities.
Made possible by the generous investment from the Community Foundation for San Benito County
Prepared and presented by: JayLee McGary, Interim Director of Nursing
Executive Summary
Two Dedicated Spaces
Tranquility Rooms for both buildings. Mabie Northside and William & Inez Mabie (Southside) Skilled Nursing Facilities.
Multi-Sensory Therapy
Comprehensive therapeutic environments designed to address various sensory needs
Cost-Effective Solution
No additional staffing required and no construction or HCAI review needed
The Growing Need
Every 65 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer's disease.
Nearly half of our current residents experience some form of cognitive impairment, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions.
Benefits for Residents
Enhanced Quality of Life
Improved dignity and personalized experiences
Improved Sleep & Mood
Better emotional regulation and rest patterns
Reduced Medication Needs
Alternative to pharmacological interventions
Lower Anxiety & Agitation
Decreased stress and behavioral incidents
Benefits for Our Facility
Decreased Incidents
Fewer behavioral episodes requiring intervention
Competitive Edge
Differentiation in care offerings
Person-Centered Care
Alignment with modern care principles
Higher Satisfaction
Enhanced resident and family experience
Implementation requires no change in bed licensing and zero increase in staffing requirements, making this a highly efficient enhancement to our care offerings.
Versatile Space Design
Resident Therapy
Primary use for sensory engagement and relaxation
Family Visits
Peaceful environment for meaningful connections
Clinical Sessions
Psychology and one-on-one therapeutic interventions
The space can be converted back to a standard patient room within 48 hours if needed, providing maximum flexibility for facility operations.
Key Sensory Elements
Visual Stimulation
Adjustable lighting, projectors, digital frames, and calming artwork that can be customized for each resident's preferences
Auditory Therapy
Bubble walls creating gentle sounds along with visual tracking, plus audio system with nature sounds, classical music, and white noise options
Tactile Engagement
Weighted blankets, fiber optic curtains, and specialized therapy tools designed for elderly hands to engage the senses
Aromatherapy
Essential oil therapies including calming lavender, energizing citrus, and clearing eucalyptus scents
Featured Element: Therapeutic Seating
Gentle Motion Therapy
The Thera-Glide W-30 chairs provide vestibular stimulation through a smooth rocking motion that helps reduce anxiety and promotes relaxation.
Medical-Grade Design
Specifically engineered for elderly residents with sturdy construction, generous dimensions, and easy-clean surfaces that meet healthcare standards.
Dementia-Friendly Features
The predictable, gentle movement is particularly beneficial for residents with dementia, providing comfort without over stimulation.
Featured Element: Sensory Therapy
Fiber Optic Light Curtains
These tactile visual displays provide gentle stimulation with no heat or electricity at the point of contact, making them completely safe for all residents.
- Color-changing capabilities
- Washable for infection control
- Promotes focus and attention
Bubble Walls
These dynamic water features create both visual interest and soothing auditory stimulation as the bubbles rise through colored water.
- Adjustable bubble intensity
- LED color options
- Sealed system for safety
Implementation Timeline
Planning Phase
Weeks 1-3
- Finalize room selections
- Complete vendor evaluations
- Develop staff training plan
Preparation Phase
Weeks 4-6
- Order equipment and materials
- Prepare rooms (painting, electrical)
- Begin staff orientation
Installation Phase
Weeks 7-17
- Deliver and install equipment
- Configure sensory systems
- Conduct staff training
Completion Phase
Weeks 18-20
- Final testing of all system
- Staff Live Roll Out
- Opening ceremony
Budget Summary
$13,000
Therapeutic Furniture
Including Thera-Glide chairs and adaptable seating
$8,350
Sensory Elements
Visual, tactile, and auditory therapeutic tools
$5,000
Staff Training
Comprehensive education on therapeutic techniques
$1,900
Annual Maintenance
Ongoing support and equipment servicing
The total investment of $38,100 falls well within the approved budget of $50,000, providing excellent value while allowing for contingencies.
Measuring Success
Track Usage Patterns
Monitor frequency and duration of sessions
Gather Feedback
From residents, families, and staff
Document Outcomes
Measure behavioral incident reduction
Monitor Medication
Target 15-20% reduction in interventions
Why This Matters
This evidence-based approach addresses the growing mental health needs in our aging population while aligning with person-centered care philosophy. It provides dignified interventions without medication and enhances quality of life for our most vulnerable residents.
Next Steps
Proposal Review
Board approval of the Tranquility Room concept and budget allocation to move forward with implementation planning.
Site Assessment
Detailed evaluation of both facilities to identify optimal room locations that maximize accessibility and therapeutic potential.
Vendor Selection
Finalize equipment specifications and select qualified vendors with experience in therapeutic environments for elderly care.
Implementation Kickoff
Begin the 20-week process of creating spaces of tranquility and healing for those who need it most.